Caroline Adams Miller on the Keys to Achieving Big Goals | EP 548
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Deep Dive
Why did Caroline Adams Miller decide to join the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania?
She was inspired by a cover story in Time or Newsweek about the new science of happiness and positive psychology. The program was the first of its kind, and she felt a strong intuition that she needed to be part of it.
What was the significance of Caroline Adams Miller's book 'Creating Your Best Life'?
It was the first mass-market goal-setting book to include scientific evidence and footnotes, making it a pioneering work in the field of goal setting and positive psychology.
How did Caroline Adams Miller overcome her battle with bulimia?
She found a 12-step recovery group for compulsive eaters and met a woman who openly shared her recovery journey. This role model gave her the belief that recovery was possible, which became a turning point in her life.
What is the main issue with the SMART goals framework according to Caroline Adams Miller?
SMART goals lack scientific backing and can undermine goal achievement, particularly because the acronym is interpreted differently worldwide and often includes the word 'realistic,' which leads to setting low goals.
How does Caroline Adams Miller define 'good grit'?
Good grit is about pursuing hard things with dignity, self-respect, and for the right reasons, inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones and take on their own challenges.
What is the 'Best Possible Future Self' exercise, and why is it important?
It's a positive psychology exercise where you write about your future as if it has gone as well as possible. It helps clarify goals, resolve conflicts between goals, and build empathy for your future self, increasing optimism and zest.
What is the BRIDGE framework, and why is it important for goal setting?
The BRIDGE framework is a goal-setting methodology that includes brainstorming, relationships, investments, decision-making, grit, and standards of excellence. It ensures that all necessary steps are taken to achieve both learning and performance goals effectively.
How does Caroline Adams Miller suggest organizations create more equitable goal-setting practices?
Organizations should recognize biases that penalize women for being ambitious and ensure that women receive accurate feedback and leadership opportunities. They should also provide relatable role models and create psychological safety for all employees.
What is the correlation between psychological safety and goal setting?
Psychological safety allows individuals to express their ideas and feelings without fear of judgment or retribution. It is crucial for effective goal setting, especially for women who often face social penalties for being ambitious or goal-directed.
What is Caroline Adams Miller's challenge to listeners regarding goal setting?
She challenges listeners to learn and share Locke and Latham's goal-setting theory, which distinguishes between learning and performance goals. This knowledge can help eliminate ineffective practices like SMART goals and the law of attraction.
- SMART goals lack scientific backing and can undermine goal achievement.
- Goal-setting theory distinguishes between learning goals and performance goals.
- Mixing learning and performance goals leads to disasters in business and life.
Shownotes Transcript