Episode 3 The Power of Goal Setting

Are you setting goals but still falling short, or maybe avoiding goal setting altogether? What if the secret to achieving 10x more success lies in writing your goals down, breaking them into actionable steps, and using a proven system to keep you on track? In this episode, we uncover the science behind why written goals work, how to strike the perfect balance between achievable and challenging, and how accountability can propel you—and your team—toward greater results. Ready to unlock your potential? Let’s get started.

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Welcome back to the Franklin Planner Podcast. I'm your host, George Wright III, and this is the podcast where we give you the strategies, tools, and resources to lead your team and create your best life. And today's episode is all about the power of goal setting. Joining me is none other than my co-host, John Harding, owner, board member, and Franklin planning expert.

George, I'm doing great. It’s an honor to be with you on this.

This is really going to be hitting some big topics today, huh?

This is a fascinating subject. And I think everybody should be an expert on this, but let’s just find out as we go, because there’s some fascinating information and strategies in this one.

Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, look, we’re going to dive into the transformative power of goal setting, but we’ve got statistics, we’ve got strategies, and everything else. But maybe the best place to start is—John, we’ve heard that people who set goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those who don’t. So why don’t they?

Yeah. This research that you’re citing is from Kara Hutto. And just hold on for a second. Think about that—10 times. What if you could be 10 times more successful? And remember, this isn’t about accomplishing what someone else wants, but what you choose—what matters to you, with the people who matter most to you.

That is a phenomenal statistic. The research shows that it’s not just about having a goal in your mind. It’s about being very specific about it. That includes writing it down, reviewing it, and being committed to it.

Well, you know, I think anybody would agree that 10x by simply writing a goal down is probably one of the most powerful strategies you can use. So why do you think writing your goal is so powerful? Like, why is writing your goal one of those keys that makes it so much more effective?

There is science around this, and the science relates to the power of writing and the power of paper. There’s also science around meditating and tapping into your inspiration.

When you select a goal, it clarifies your thinking when you write it down. It also becomes this tangible record of your life. Some of the brain research is fascinating—let me summarize it: As you write something like a goal, your brain immediately begins going to work on how to achieve it and how to bring it about.

It taps into the amazing hardware and software that’s inside all of us. Writing helps you capture it, revisit it, and prioritize it on a daily basis.

Yeah, it’s definitely a powerful way to anchor it down. But I think you made a good point—the science has shown that it also engages and taps into a whole bunch of other things like focus, clarity, and action. So, you’re saying it’s not just about writing the goal down, but it’s also about writing it more than once, right? Maybe you could tie in the Franklin Planner system here, because a lot of our listeners use it to keep this as part of their daily activity. It’s not just writing your goal down—it’s about making it part of your daily ritual, right?

Right. And, you know, the customers that we’ve had over 40 years—and there’s scientific research to back this up—but I trust more than anything the testimonies of these customers who have been using the system.

Let me quote one: “The planner turns your aspirations into actionable steps, ensuring goals don’t get lost in the shuffle of everyday life.”

Now, that’s a quote from one of our customers. But here’s the thing: If you reference one of our previous podcasts on the condition of overwhelm—being pushed under—and then you think about the solutions, they start with clarifying who you are, daily and weekly decision-making, planning, and acting on goals.

All of these pieces go together to help you tap into the power of goal setting and the act of achieving your goals.

Yeah, I’ve learned that in my life specifically. And I know that even writing goals down—it’s like we’ve all heard, “A goal not written is just a dream.” Just an aspiration, like you said. So, if we know that writing goals can 10x our productivity and focus, and we know it neurologically makes us more aligned and intentional, then the question becomes not just why to set goals but how.

Let’s turn the topic here for a second to how people set goals. Specifically, the importance of being specific but also having challenging goals. Because we’re not talking about goals that are easy to hit. We’re also not talking about unrealistic goals. Where’s the balance? Let’s talk about how the nature of your goals can affect your success.

Let me start by giving you the definition. This is a dictionary-based definition of goals just to get us on the same page. A goal is a desired result, an outcome, or an achievement that an individual, group, or organization aims to accomplish within a specific time frame.

Goals serve as a guiding focus, providing direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose.

Now, you may have heard of the acronym SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. That’s a great framework because having clearly defined, specific goals brings power to them.

Well, I also think that’s a good point because I liked that definition—you mentioned that direction brings clarity, focus, and productivity. And I love that we’re constantly saying this is for individuals and businesses. Because if your business isn’t setting goals, how do you align your team in the right direction?

But let’s circle back to this idea of specificity and challenging goals. How do you find the balance between achievable and challenging so you’re still growing but not discouraged?

Yeah, we’re kind of breaking down the components of goals here, which I think is important. Let’s keep going. So how do we find that balance between being specific and setting challenging goals?

Let me take this a little further. At Franklin Planner, we’ve added key elements to what makes a strong goal.

• Clarity: Clearly defined and understood.
• Achievability: It needs to be realistic, but still a stretch. It should challenge you—pull you forward into the best version of yourself.
• Purpose-driven: Rooted in your “why”—an underlying motivation or positive need.
• Time-bound: Tied to a deadline or milestone that drives accountability.
• Measurability: You should be able to track progress.

Now, I’ll note something here: Not every goal is easy to measure. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. If a goal aligns with your purpose and brings value to your life, don’t let the lack of measurability hold you back.

The balance comes when your goals stretch you just enough. Research shows that people rise up to meet challenges. They’re more motivated, more focused, and ultimately, happier when they accomplish something that stretches them but remains achievable.

Yeah, I agree with that. And let me share a little tip I’ve learned over the years that might help our listeners.

I used to struggle with setting stretch goals because I thought, “I haven’t achieved that yet, so how can I?” It’s easy to doubt yourself. But here’s the thing—you have to set goals for your future self. Visualize who you’re becoming, not just who you are today.

Think about it: If you could set goals today with the wisdom and experience you’ll have five years from now, wouldn’t you set bigger goals? That’s the power of growth. You grow into your goals. And when you’re focused on becoming your best self, you naturally stretch beyond where you are today.

That’s such a good point. Visualizing your future self helps you embrace those stretch goals because you know you’re growing and evolving. It’s not about where you are now—it’s about where you’re going.

And this is where the Franklin Planner system comes in as a game-changer. It takes the overwhelm out of goal setting by breaking goals down into daily and weekly steps. You’re not climbing the whole mountain in one day—you’re taking it one step at a time.

The planner combines the power of a daily calendar and structured planning with intentional goals. It allows you to take control, focus on what matters most, and gain confidence every single day as you make progress.

Yeah, and let’s not forget—this isn’t just a theory. The Franklin Planner system has been refined over 40 years, used by millions of people. It’s a proven system for a reason. It pairs specificity and challenge with daily action steps. That’s what makes it a game-changer.

Exactly. And for anyone listening who might feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember this: Success doesn’t come from one giant leap. It comes from consistent progress, one day at a time.

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The Power of Accountability and Social Support

So we’ve talked about the importance of writing goals down, making them specific, and adding the right amount of challenge. But let’s touch on one more solution that can make a huge difference—accountability and social support. How does involving others in your goals help you succeed?

When you articulate your goals—when you write them down and share them with others—it dramatically increases your chances of achieving them. Research shows that people are more likely to follow through on their goals when they’re held accountable by someone else.

Accountability fosters two critical things:

1. Motivation: Knowing someone is supporting you or checking in on you pushes you to keep going.
2. Commitment: When you share a goal with others, it solidifies your intention to follow through.

This applies to individuals, but it’s especially powerful for teams. Imagine a team where each member aligns their personal goals with the overall team goals. Everyone has clarity, focus, and accountability. That’s how organizations achieve incredible results.

Yeah, I love that. Accountability isn’t just about making sure you get it done—it’s about keeping your motivation high. And for teams, it’s a bridge between personal focus and group success. When everyone is moving in the same direction, with clear goals and shared accountability, the results are exponential.

Exactly. It’s about alignment. And the Franklin Planner system brings all of this together: personal goals, team goals, and daily actions that align with your purpose.

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Why People Still Struggle to Achieve Goals

Here’s the big question: Despite all of the benefits we’ve discussed, despite the clear science and success stories, why do people still struggle to achieve their goals?

Well, there are a few reasons. For starters, people often don’t know how to set goals. They might lack a clear vision of who they are, what they want, or what truly matters to them.

That’s why it’s so important to start with the Private Victory—mastering yourself first. Dr. Stephen R. Covey talks about this in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

• Habit 1: Be proactive. Take responsibility for your actions and life.
• Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind. Define your vision, mission, and values.
• Habit 3: Put first things first. Focus on what matters most and take intentional action every day.

When people skip this foundation, they set goals that are disconnected from their purpose. They lose motivation and give up when challenges arise.

Yeah, and let’s be honest—sometimes people set unrealistic goals. They go too big, too fast, and when they don’t see progress right away, they get discouraged. I think this is where having a system, like the Franklin Planner, helps break goals into manageable steps.

Absolutely. The planner gives you a structure that balances ambition with progress. It helps you build momentum one step at a time.

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Final Thoughts: Goal Setting for Individuals and Teams

Let’s wrap this up with a focus on organizations. How does goal setting influence teams and the success of a company?

Goal setting is just as critical for teams as it is for individuals. It starts with clarity:

1. Define your purpose. What’s the team’s vision, mission, and values?
2. Set clear, achievable goals. Break them into quarterly, monthly, and weekly milestones.
3. Communicate and align. Make sure every team member understands their role and how it contributes to the bigger picture.

The Franklin Planner system helps teams bridge the gap between personal and organizational goals. When team members align their personal aspirations with the team’s direction, productivity soars. The power of shared accountability keeps everyone focused, motivated, and inspired.

Yeah, I think that’s key. At the end of the day, goal setting is one of the most powerful growth strategies—whether you’re an individual or a business. Clarity, alignment, and accountability make all the difference.

Exactly. It’s about tapping into the greatness within you and the brilliance within your team. When you set clear goals, write them down, and break them into actionable steps, you unlock potential you didn’t even know was there.

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The Invitation: Start Today

So here’s the challenge for anyone listening: Write down your goals. Make it part of your daily ritual. And if you don’t have a system, check out the Franklin Planner at franklinplanner.com. It’s designed to simplify your life, align your focus, and help you achieve your goals.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave us a review. Let us know what you’re working on and what challenges you’re facing. We’ve got more powerful episodes coming up to help you crush your goals and build your best life. Thanks for joining us, and we’ll see you in the next episode!

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