Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(1:07) Caroline's personal story of grit and recovery

(4:22) What real grit looks like (and how to build it)

(7:07) Why adults lose their sense of zest, and how to get it back

(10:01) Why SMART goals don't work

(14:03) The science behind happiness before success

(17:43) How to actually flourish (even in tough times)

(21:18) Why "do your best" leads to the worst results

(28:12) Learning goals vs. performance goals

(29:31) The six pillars of setting a "big goal"

(37:36) The jargon mismatch syndrome

(42:05) Why goal-setting advice often fails women (43:44) "Goals Gone Wild", what happens when you skip the learning phase

(47:12) Where to find Caroline and her resources

(48:26) Outro

Who is Caroline Adams Miller?

Caroline Adams Miller is an executive coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker known for her work on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and was part of the first graduating class in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Caroline has written several acclaimed books, including My Name is Caroline, Creating Your Best Life, Getting Grit, and Big Goals, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. Her personal journey of overcoming bulimia in her twenties has inspired countless others.

She frequently speaks at global events, teaches in executive education programs, and has been featured in major media outlets for her research-driven insights on success, resilience, and personal growth.

Connect with Caroline:

Website: https://www.carolinemiller.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineadamsmiller

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolineadamsmiller/?hl=en

Grab a copy: https://biggoalsbook.com/

Links and Resources:

Peak Performance Life

Peak Performance on Facebook

Peak Performance on Instagram

EPI 235: BIG GOALS - The Science Of Setting Them, Achieving Them, And Creating Your Best Life. With 9X Best Selling Author Caroline Adams Miller