Your Goals Fail Because You're Focusing on the Wrong Thing

Are your 2026 goals setting you up for success or failure??

Most people don’t fail at their goal setting because they're unmotivated or undisciplined…

They fail because they’ve been taught to focus on the wrong thing.

SMART goals might help you define what you want, but they don’t help you become the kind of person who can actually achieve and sustain it.

In Episode 63 of the Personal Mastery & Growth Podcast, I'll break down a research-backed, mindset-first approach on how to set goals that last. You’ll explore how identity, values, and purpose shape the brain far more powerfully than outcome-based targets — and how shifting your focus can create lasting transformation.

Whether you're resetting your direction, upgrading your habits, or preparing for a new season of growth, this episode gives you the practical tools and psychological insights to build momentum that sticks.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔ Why SMART goals often fall short
✔ How your brain responds to repeated patterns (not one-time intentions)
✔ Why identity-based goals outperform outcome-based goals
✔ How values fuel commitment and reduce internal resistance
✔ The “Five Whys” technique for uncovering purpose-driven motivation
✔ The Coach Jose Model: Identity → Values → Process → Milestones
✔ A weekly challenge to help you implement the system immediately
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Highlights:

00:00 – Intro
01:16 – Why most goals fall apart
02:02 – The limitations of SMART goals
03:29 – Why your brain resists outcome-only goals
04:15 – Neuroplasticity and repeated patterns
06:10 – Identity-based goals explained
09:08 – Values as the compass for behavior
10:50 – The power of “Why” in sustaining change
12:27 – The Coach Jose goal-setting model
13:21 – Your weekly challenge
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Ready to upgrade your mindset?

Check out The Mindset Makeover book and course:
👉 https://josejohnson.com/mindset/