John O’Leary welcomes goal setting expert Caroline Adams Miller to the Live Inspired Podcast to share how to craft intentional, purpose-driven goals that can lead to meaningful change.
For more than three decades, Caroline Adams Miller has been a globally recognized expert in goal setting, grit, happiness and success. And yet, as a Harvard graduate, black-belt martial artist, and author of eight life-changing bestselling books, Caroline’s path —from overcoming bulimia to inspiring millions—embodies resilience and determination.
Today, Caroline shares her story of transformation, the science behind effective goal setting, and her groundbreaking BRIDGE methodology for achieving lasting success. As the new year approaches, learn why conventional strategies (like SMART goals!) frequently fall short, and how crafting intentional, purpose-driven goals can lead to meaningful change.
My friends, if you need a spark to reignite your ambitions and the reminder that the best of our days remain ahead, this conversation is for you.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Uplifting the collective: Caroline believes she was put on this earth to help people do hard things and to give them the tools to do those hard things.
- Coming from a long line of an accomplished family (Olympic gold, silver and bronze medalists, watchmaker for Abraham Lincoln, and more), the importance of setting, pursuing and achieving goals was engrained in Caroline.
- Growing up, Caroline recalls the vicious fury of her damaged mother and never feeling loved by her.
- “One of the great joys in your life is to become a sponsor for others.” Developing bulimia at 14 years old, Caroline wasn’t able to overcome her addiction until meeting a woman at a 12-step program for compulsive eaters in her 20s.
- ”Happiness precedes success.” When you’re flourishing emotionally, you succeed elsewhere.
- Goal Setting Theory: Setting specific, measurable, and challenging goals can significantly improve an individual’s motivation and performance compared to vague or easy goals.
- Instead of SMART goals, Caroline has developed BRIDGE methodology which includes Brainstorming, Relationships, Investments, Decisions, Grit and Excellence.
- Don’t know where to start? Ask yourself, “In one, 10 or 20 years, what will I regret not pursuing?”
- “As human beings are born helpless and our goal in life is that we must learn master our environments, and that includes having our own goals and learning what we’re made of along the way.”
- Positive interventions: By introducing things such as meditation, gratitude and journaling, we’re able to boost our flourishing and build confidence and self esteem.
- Get a copy of Caroline Adams Miller’s book Big Goals here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Shawn Achor. Acclaimed happiness expert Shawn Achor reminds us that it’s in the darkest times that we need optimism, gratitude and social connection the most. After 12 years of earning dozens of distinguished teaching awards at Harvard University, Shawn became a New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential, delivered a TEDx with over 19 million views and has worked with over 30 Fortune 100 companies. Learn how increase optimism, happiness and ultimately success on ep. 408 now.
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CAROLINE ADAMS MILLER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Little Women by Louis May Alcott. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I am that little girl. There is nothing missing from my little girl life. I am zest. I am joy. There was a thundercloud over me for a long time, but I am that little girl again. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. My grandmother's diary. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Serena Williams. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. You can't keep what you don't give away. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. You're going to be okay. You're going to love yourself one day. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. She never gave up.
