In this episode, we’ll talk goals. I love setting goals. At the beginning of the year, I get excited to set all kinds of great resolutions. But, in the past, I started to lose focus in mid-February. Can you relate? (I bet you can.) What I’ve learned, though, is that setting a bunch of small goals that feel attainable is actually counter-productive. If you’re surprised, tune into the episode to learn why, and what your goals should be instead.
Are you ready to learn the steps for making stretch goals a reality in your life?
Step 1: Visualize! This means dreaming big without self-editing or self-judgment.
Step 2: Focus. Narrow down your options to the one thing that you want to make into reality.
Step 3: Commit. This is the scary part, and your fear (along with your motivation) will kick into overdrive.
Step 4: Execute! Rearrange your schedule and put your big goal first every single day. Do whatever it takes to make your big goal a reality.
Highlights
[01:23] – Ruth introduces the topics for today’s episode.
[01:58] – Because this is the first episode, Ruth takes a few minutes to talk about the concept of “doing it scared” overall.
[03:42] – Ruth offers a worksheet you can download to walk you through today’s steps. You can get it by texting “stretchgoals” (without quotation marks) to 44222 or visit this link. Also, please rate and review this show on iTunes for a chance to win a mug or t-shirt!
[04:35] – We dive into the meat of the episode with a discussion of one of Ruth’s favorite topics: goal setting!
[06:21] – Have you ever heard of SMART goals? Ruth explains what these goals are, and why this formula isn’t complete.
[08:21] – Ruth explains the benefit of setting and committing to a goal so big that it freaks us out a little bit.
[09:27] – Ruth discusses the steps for making stretch goals a reality in your life.
[11:05] – We learn about Martha Stewart as an example of someone who didn’t realize her true passion until later than average. Ruth then goes on to list more inspirational examples of people who weren’t limited by their age.
[12:28] – Ruth lists some questions that you should ask yourself to figure out your big dream.
[13:44] – The second step of Ruth’s process is to focus. She explains what this means, and offers advice on how to figure it out.
[15:26] – Once you’ve thought about all your options, it’s time to rule some of them out. Ruth discusses how to do this.
[16:30] – Step three is where the rubber meets the road, Ruth explains.
[18:02] – Ruth talks about the first time she experienced all of this for herself, which was when she started her blog.
[20:20] – We hear how Ruth’s husband reacted when she shared her goal with him, and how Ruth responded to this reaction.
[21:23] – Ruth was scared and had no idea what she was doing, but she knew that she could figure it out eventually.
[22:00] – There is one more step you’ll need to take, and this is the most important! Step 4 is to execute.
[24:02] – In the end, all of Ruth’s sacrifices paid off. After two and a half years of blogging, her husband was able to quit his job and her big goal became a reality.
[25:08] – Ruth offers a quick recap of the four simple steps that you can take to set your big goals.
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I loved this Ruth! Do it scared has been my motto especially in the last year as I started a new business. It has served me well and I love that you also feel scared…we tell ourselves a story that successful people we admire don’t get scared, but that’s simply not true. 🙂
Great job Ruth! You are so cheerful to listen to, I felt like you were right here! You spoke clearly and crisply so it was easy to understand! Looking forward to listening to # 2. I only wish that I could download the worksheet without losing you… I had to find you again! Loved the video of you walking on the pole! I could FEEL you fear and TOTALLY relate! You go girl!
I really enjoyed listening, but I’m unable to download the transcript! It opens up a new window and then just spins and spins. The printable worked fine though!
Carlyn- The transcript is an automatic download when you click the button, so that means it goes directly into your downloads file! Be sure to check there!
I love this Ruth! You are so motivating and hearing that all of those people were over 40 before they achieved what they are most known for really inspires me to get a move on!! Here’s to dreaming big and focusing, I AM READY!!
I love this concept! I am at a crossroads in my life right now and need to find something to get excited about. Your podcast is exactly what I have been looking for!! Thank you for being there! I am working on my worksheet and will prepare my stretch goals.
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this podcast today! It was an amazing kick in the pants for both my brain and my heart. My husband and I have a handmade business that we’ve put on the back burner because of life. Your four steps today charged my battery, so I’m ready to do my 30-minute dream session and get excited about the possibilities again! Thank you, Ruth!
I so appreciate this. My company is very big into SMART goals which are good. But they don’t let me really stretch especially as I am within 10 years of retirement. I totally plan on following through on these and look forward to listening to the next podcast. By the way, I plan on listening to this again.
Goals were easy when I was in high school. I wanted something and I just went for it. As an adult (mom, wife, etc), goals are so hard for me. I am not sure what I want because it may be selfish or not something that I can put my family through or I am too old. Thank you for the 4 steps. I’m going to try it out. My favorite moment was when you said your husband thought you were crazy for wanting to blog and make money, but you did it. Looking forward to hearing more! Thank you!
Awesome job, Ruth! Hitting my 50’s and soon-to-be empty nester, hearing about others who have made it big later in life gives me the encouragement I love to hear! If they can do this, so can I!! Here’s to setting BIG goals!
Yay, Lori!! So excited for you to tackle those BIG goals and celebrate a milestone birthday!! xo
I am a mess and God is helping me through Do It Scared! I am scared but doing it anyway! This is the right time in my life and God has seen to it that He has shown me it is time! Goals for a God First, Husband, Family, Health, and Wealth to Share! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Hi Ruth! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your first episode while running on the treadmill, trying to achieve my goal of finally getting in best shape of my life by my 54th birthday in September! I love the idea of a stretch goal and the reminder that you really just have to commit to action. Thanks for the inspiration!
I really enjoyed this first episode. I was surprised and intrigued when you said setting smaller goals can actually hold you back. That is how I have always attacked my goals. Having perfectionist tendencies can keep me from setting goals at all because I’m afraid I won’t be able to achieve them and then will have, in my eyes, “failed.” But also, that keeps me stuck. So I love this idea of dreaming big and setting a stretch goal and that whether or not it is achieved, the act of doing it and working towards it, is growth. Thank you for the motivation!
Ruth, thank you for keeping me on track!! Last month I was losing focus. You sent an email about keeping the big goal a priority, which snapped me to attention. And now the podcast to hear these steps that I already “know”, but need to keep applying.
Thank you!!!!!
I loved this podcast Ruth! I felt like you were talking directly to me. I have a terrible time following through on goal setting (usually because I sabotage myself in some way). I will definitely be working through these steps and look forward to achieving big goals!!
Can’t wait to hear an update on how your goal setting is going!! #doitscared
Loved this podcast! You really help me face my fears and build up my confidence. It is something I really need now and you make me overcome the obstacles that are nothing else than obstacles that we put to ourselves.
Thank you very much! Keep up your excellent work! Thank you!
I have been so scared for so long mainly hiding in a cave that I see this podcast like a rope you threw to my hands to pull me out! Thank you Ruth! Love the video, audio, worksheet! So let’s Do it Scared!
I loved this first episode. Gave me such inspiration and action steps.
Loved this so much! I am definitely doing it scared. At 43, I finally feel like I’m discovering who I want to be when I grow up!! Sharing my goals still terrifies me though.
Awesome encouragement! I love it! The info is so helpful to keep your focus on moving forward in the BIG goals that bring forth change in your life!! The goals that CAN become a reality in your life!! Thanks again, Ruth!!
Great inspiration. Like the SMART goals. Time to stretch and make it happens. Thanks Ruth.
Really enjoyed this topic. My 40s so far have been the hardest decade and I’m 6 years in. I’ve been living life scared… but not it the good way of pushing me, more
like I pushed, it didn’t work and now I’m scared to do it again. Maybe this podcast will help me push forward again.
HI Judy,
I know it can seem scary to reach for those big and scary goals when life has handed you some setbacks but I want to encourage you to take the first step! Right down those goals and then move forward. One step at a time! You can do it! #doitscared xo
So motivational!! I loved your book Living Well Spending Less, and I am now looking forward to setting goals and do it scared. I’m at that point in life where the kids are moving on and I need to move on to me! Thanks Ruth for your goodness!
Ruth, this is absolutely awesome, I like the podcast and the encouragement to set big goals that scare us. Thank you for bringing to mind again the importance of setting goals which leads to a successful life.
I really enjoyed listening for my own and just printed the worksheet so I can share with my Personal Training clients. Love the message and feel very inspired to sit down and take a good hard intake of my own goals! As a mom of two boys who are also 2 years apart, I remember well those early Target days! Thanks so much for your motivation and encouragement!
Best of luck with the new podcast! I will definitely continue to listen as a subscriber!
Love your new series – I do well with goal setting in the 9-5 gig, but tend to get too overwhelmed /wiped out to carry it through to greater ‘life goals.’ I shy away from big goals and pie in the sky dreams, but maybe that’s what I need to get
motivated. Thanks, Ruth – I am also an EBAer and have read your books – love everything you do for your avatar!!
Love this Ruth! I hear a lot of people say to set goals that are “realistic” meaning something that you pretty much could accomplish with some effort and a to-do list. I agree with the setting BIG goals that we can dream about (but do the work) and make a reality. I don’t mind not reaching my BIG GOAL exactly on time as long as I have made progress towards that. It makes me work harder and try harder to reach that goal. Thank you for being an inspiration! I am committed to becoming a full-time blogger this year and that is my BIG GOAL for 2018!
Loved it. Have had a really hard time trying to set goals for my planner I ordered from you but this has really helped with that. Now I think I can do it. Thanks.
Great podcast. Ruth is easy to listen to and interesting. I enjoyed this. I have a hard time achieving my goals so this will help.
This is great encouragement to step outside our comfort zone – that humdrum, comfortable, “safe place” people tend to stay, even if they aren’t particularly happy there. Your blog helps inspire people to wake up to life. You help by giving us questions to ask and steps to take to find our way into something more interesting about living. You also do this by sharing a view into a part of your life showing that what you’re talking about can be done.
Thanks Benita!! I’m super excited about this new venture and the #doitscared movement!!
This is a wonderful reminder of not only goal setting but how life can get in the way. I loved the way you spoke about the stretch goal. I have been following you for a while and this year I finally bought the planner. What a difference it makes. I have noticed the past couple of weeks I have not been as good with the planning due to life getting in the way and after listening to this podcast I am getting back on the planning wagon. It really does work when you work it! Thanks for your encouragement.
I’m so happy to hear that you bought a planner and find that it helps you organize your days,weeks, life etc… I hope you’ll subscribe to the podcast. #doitscared
Love love love! So good!
I loved this! It was just what I needed to hear. I love that it was just the right amount of time, too. I’m feeling inspired to go work on my big, scary goals!
I’m so glad you feel inspired to tackle your BIG & Scary goals!! Can’t wait to hear about your progress!! #doitscared
Love Ruth and her practical advise. I always learn something g new and exciting from her that I can apply to my life. Her weeksheets make this implementation easy. Thank you Ruth.
Thank you, Ruth! You share from your heart to make goal setting a challenging but doable project.
Thanks Joanie! I’m so glad you are feeling encouraged!!
Truly superb first episode. I too used to love goal setting but I’ve gotten so bogged down that I just don’t do it any more. I never really like smart goals and I’m so glad you have reignited my passion for the ‘big and scary’ ones. I’m ready to dream big again (this makes me feel so happy)!
Yay Mo!! I’m so glad you are excited to tackle your Big and Scary goals. I would love to hear what they are. #doitscared
Love the new podcast! I’ve been a dedicated member of the #ruthtribe for 2 years now! I absolutely love that #doitscared has become a movement.
This episode was amazing! I was always great at setting goals (smart and stretch) in my corporate life but when I stepped away from that world 2 years ago I found it hard to find those same motivators at home. NOW, this is ideal timing for me to push forward!. thanks for bringing this concept back into my life.
You always manage to motivate me, Ruth! You are not only an excellent teacher, but also an inspiration. Thank you for this. I can’t wait to be able to share with my 18 yr old daughter, who I am sure will also benefit greatly from your #doitscared philosophy 😉
Very Inspiring. Something positive to learn and apply to live a good life.
I just achieved my stretch goal at 61. I’ve published my first book-a children’s book, Big Changes For Little Bugs. It’s for families who are going through changes and must overcome fear. My book helps children understand changes in their lives and how to adapt to new places. I definitely did it scared!! And still am !
Thank you, Ruth. I loved the Target story (so me). You are so inspirational, this podcast gave me hope in dreaming big and taking action. Thanks for the worksheet. Ready to stretch and do it scared.
I really appreciated the distinction between SMART goals and the motivation built into STRETCH goals.
Looking forward to more of your brand of encouragement! I have needed a push!
I loved the podcast. I especially liked the examples that you gave of women who where middle age by the time they decided to pursue their goals. This definitely lines up with what you have been speaking about and takes the conversation further.
I know this podcast was and is being used to strengthen my back bone and was a perfect start to a leadership conference that I attended only a few days after listening to this, so thank you Ruth.
Ruth- Loved the first episode! I really needed this refresh! I’m in the process of making it happen & of course the fear creeps in when I let it! Can’t wait to listen to other episodes!
I bought your planner but have been scared to start. Just need to do it scared like you said.
Great first episode!!
Can’t wait to listen to the ones to come.
I’m a very shy person, scared of what others may think, afraid of judgment.
This year I’m doing things scared. A new entrepreneurship, out of my comfort zone. Starting an online business. Writing a blog. all in English when English is not my first language!
I’m from Spain, living in Dubai. Adapting to a new city, a new culture, a new way of living.
Doing it scared, but doing it!!
I have my big stretch goal set. I’m going for it!!
Thanks Ruth for all the inspiration.
Love this! SMART goals is a great idea! Can’t wait to hear more!
I’m going to love this! This first episode made me stop and take a good look at myself and to really think about what my goals are. I always thought it was too late for me, but now I’m ready to move forward.
Hey, Ruth! A-MA-ZING!! You will definitely be coming with me when I mow the playing field at our church and school over the next few months… Thanks a MILLION for the good company and the tremendous encouragement! I am taking your words to heart, and sharing them, too. God bless your newest endeavor.
Hi Ruth! Awesome podcast I look forward to joining you for the do it scared series. I am super excited! Great job on the content and material. Thank you for sharing and reaching out to us. You are indeed an inspiration. I agree with Anna God bless your endeavors.
Hi Ruth! I am so happy to be part of this journey and to of found you! You are very inspirational !!
I am new to EBA this year and think this podcast is a great idea to even help the members to achieving their goals.
I am so excited to listen to your podcasts, as it will be very motivational in my journey:)
I am happy to have found you Ruth 🙂
Hi Ruth! I am so happy that I found you and to be a part of this group! I am 44 years old and to say that at this point in my life I have it all together would be an understatement! I have spent many years putting everyone else first, being a people pleaser. I would start to set goals and quit because I never knew how to go past putting a goal ( something easily attainable) on paper. I am truly excited about where this podcast and the #doitscaredmovement will take me! I already started this past weekend! Thank you so much, Ruth, for sharing this with all of us! It’s life changing!
One of my goals was to be able to make YouTube videos.Every time I set things up to make the video I turn on the camera and suddenly could not talk. I couldn’t figure out how to get past that.
This is awesome. I love using SMART goals with the people I work with because it creates structure and accountability. It is great to create the scary, big goal and do it first each day. I am working on writing a book about my experiences as an adult school shooting survivor and the lessons I wish I had known so faculty and staff can prepare without being afraid. It is scary because I am not everyone’s cup of tea and that is ok. Someone will be helped by me choosing to go past the fear.
Love, love, love that you provide a transcript! (I learn better by reading than I do by listening). Thank you Ruth!
Thanks Carol!! I’m so glad you are finding them helpful!!
This is such a great podcast reminding us that no goal is too big, but that without goals we lose direction. I love that you gave examples of older people starting a new career. That is so encouraging for me at the stage of life. Thank you!
I love Ruth’s podcast! I already use her living well planner which has got me on track to reaching my goals. This episode was a great reminder of how to set my goals…I forgot a few steps along the way with the planner. Thanks for starting this Ruth!
I am loving the new podcast, Ruth! Thank you!!!
Ruth, I am thick in the middle of raising kids. I have 6, from 1-15. Where do I start to begin dreaming? I’m stuck in the trenches of motherhood and not sure whether to tread water for a few more seasons and try again in a less chaotic season when my babies are older. Or is that procrastinator fear raising up?
I have listened to this first thing every morning to remind myself why I am doing what i am doing!! Thanks for the enthusiastic reminder
Hi Ruth!
I really enjoy your podcast, but I also feel like telling people small goals aren’t helpful isn’t… the best idea? I have ADHD and anxiety, and small goals help me from getting overwhelmed and actually help me work, instead of having a panic attack and not knowing where to go from there. Breaking big tasks into smaller tasks are how I have to survive so I don’t freeze up. It’s not “settling with the status quo” it’s learning how to survive with my disabilities.
Ruth! I just recently adopted the DIS motto and my life as a mother has changed for the better – instantly! I’ve been a fraidy-cat as a mother for quite some time, fearing the things that could go wrong (it’s really unfortunate but true, please don’t judge). NOW as I have been contemplating how to make my dream of creating a blog into a reality, I’m putting the motto to use in that area as well – here goes nothing!!
By the way, your video is truly captivating! I was literally cheering you (the computer screen) on the entire time and even teared up when you made it all the way across… Oh my gosh, am I proud of you and you’re a complete stranger! HA! Good for you. Thanks for the insights and advice. I’ll be listening and reading everything I can find from here on out and best of all – STARTING A BLOG!
This is so exciting! I don’t have TV, so I get tired of music and NPR. Your podcasts are just what I needed!
Love your Podcasts. Doing a catch-up at the moment.
Yahoo’s best hope for that was Flickr.
When I was a college student, I wondered how one should tackle this matter but I would constantly come across some funny answers:
go Google it ask a buddy. What if my friends do not have
sufficient knowledge or expertise to assist me? What if I googled it multiple times and
could not find the solution? That is when articles such as this one can give appropriate guidance on the situation.
Yet again, thank you for the work!