The Power of Setting Your Goals

About this video

The creator presents goal setting as laying groundwork and a map: without a destination, he says, you will probably arrive nowhere, summarised as ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail.’ He urges viewers to start with the end in mind and focus first on the why rather than the how, linking goals to core values so failure feels consequential — for example, his own value of commitment means not following through means letting people down and losing trust. He advises not censoring yourself or letting the past determine what is possible for the future, and to write goals down, because unwritten goals are just dreams. He divides goals into three categories: internal goals about personal development and who you want to become; external goals about material things such as losing 20 pounds, building a business, or taking a trip; and contribution or relationship goals, which he calls the most important, on the principle that ’the secret to living is giving.’ Setting a goal alone is not enough, he stresses — it must be followed by a plan of action, working backwards from the end in mind.

Key takeaways

• Treat goals as a map and groundwork: start with the end in mind and prioritise a deeply rooted why over the how
• Link goals to core values, such as commitment, so follow-through carries personal stakes beyond the goal itself
• Do not censor goals based on your past; write them down because unwritten goals are just dreams
• Split goals into internal (who you become), external (material outcomes), and contribution/relationship goals
• Pair every goal with a plan of action, working backwards from the desired end state

Episode details: published January 12, 2012 · 3:38 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Clark Kegley’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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