Wonderfully Uncomfortable (2 of 4): How to Set Goals That Actually Work
In this episode of the Tiny Shifts Podcast, Andy Nunn explores why most goals fail and what it really takes to create lasting change.
We all set goals. Whether it is improving our health, advancing our career or building better habits, we often start with strong intentions. But over time, motivation fades and consistency breaks down.
This episode introduces a more effective approach to goal setting. One that focuses less on outcomes and more on identity, behaviour and daily action.
WHY MOST GOALS DON’T WORK
Research shows that the majority of people abandon their goals early on, often within weeks.
The problem is not a lack of ambition.
It is that most goals are built around outcomes, not behaviour.
Saying “I want to lose weight” or “I want to succeed” does not change how you think or act.
Without changing the person behind the goal, the result rarely follows.
THE REAL SHIFT: WHO DO YOU NEED TO BECOME?
Instead of focusing only on results, this episode reframes goal setting around identity.
Ask yourself:
What does the person who achieves this goal do daily
How do they think when things get hard
What habits do they repeat consistently
Meaningful change happens when behaviour aligns with identity, not just intention.
A PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK FOR GOAL SETTING
This episode introduces a simple, structured approach to building goals that actually work.
1. 5-Year Vision (Direction)
Define the person you want to become across key areas of your life such as health, career, relationships and personal growth.
This is about setting direction, not perfection.
2. 3-Year Benchmarks (Progress)
Work backwards and identify what needs to be true in three years to stay on track.
These become your checkpoints.
3. 1-Year Focus (Priority)
What matters most right now
This is where long-term vision turns into real focus.
4. 90-Day Execution (Action)
Break everything down into repeatable daily behaviours.
This is where real change happens through small, consistent actions over time.
WHY GOALS FAIL IN REAL LIFE
Even with structure, goals often fail because:
We rely too heavily on motivation
We do not plan for setbacks
We expect progress to be linear
We give up after small mistakes
Real progress is not perfect.
It requires constant adjustment and resilience.
UNDERSTANDING FEAR AND RESISTANCE
One of the biggest barriers to action is fear, but not the obvious kind.
There is a quieter form of fear that shows up as:
I am not ready yet
I do not have time
I will start later
It feels logical, but it keeps us stuck.
Successful people do not feel less fear. They respond to it differently.
FEAR SETTING: PREPARING FOR OBSTACLES
Instead of ignoring fear, this episode introduces a practical way to work with it.
Identify what could go wrong
Understand your likely reactions
Create a plan to respond
This builds confidence and makes it easier to take action when challenges arise.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why most goals fail despite good intentions
The difference between outcome-based and behaviour-based goals
How identity shapes long-term success
A practical framework for structuring your goals
How to overcome fear and resistance
Why consistency matters more than motivation
KEY TOPICS COVERED
Goal setting psychology
Behaviour change
Identity and habits
Fear and resistance
Decision-making under pressure
Personal growth and mindset
Long-term vs short-term thinking
WHY THIS MATTERS
Goal setting is not just about achieving outcomes. It is about becoming someone who can consistently follow through.
When you shift your focus from results to behaviour, everything changes.
You stop relying on motivation.
You build systems.
You create momentum over time.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Why most goals fail
02:00 – The history of goal setting
04:30 – Understanding SMART goals
09:30 – Why goals do not work in real life
11:30 – Outcome vs identity-based goals
14:00 – Goals as direction, not destination
16:00 – The 5-year framework explained
18:30 – Breaking goals into 3-year and 1-year plans
21:00 – The importance of 90-day execution
23:00 – Daily behaviours that drive results
25:30 – Building consistency over time
27:30 – The role of fear in goal setting
30:30 – Loud fear vs quiet fear
33:00 – Why fear never disappears
35:30 – Fear setting framework
38:30 – Planning for failure and setbacks
42:00 – Applying this in real life
45:00 – Final reflections and key takeaways
Related insights
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Tiny Shifts Podcast: Why can’t we do the things we say we are going to do?
