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Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, and Creating Your Best Life
Unlock the Secret to Achieving Your Biggest Goals
No matter where you are in your journey—hesitant to begin, frustrated by failure, or striving for even greater success—Big Goals offers a proven roadmap to turn your ambitions into reality. Drawing on 15 years of cutting-edge positive psychology research and Caroline Adams Miller’s extensive coaching expertise, this book equips you with practical tools, unique worksheets, and actionable strategies to take charge of your personal growth and professional success.
If you’ve struggled with setting or reaching your goals, the problem isn’t your ambition—it’s your approach. Big Goals introduces a fresh, science-backed framework to help you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and achieve results that truly matter.
Through the pages of Big Goals, you’ll
How to use positive psychology practices to build grit, resilience, and a winning mindset. The BRIDGE methodology (Brainstorming, Relationships, Investments, Decisions, Grit, and Excellence) to clarify your goals and maintain momentum. How to integrate Goal Setting Theory (GST) for smarter task management, effective feedback, and consistent performance improvements. Packed with practical advice and real-world insights, Big Goals will inspire you to dream bigger and work smarter—whether you’re aiming for personal transformation, career advancement, or organizational success.
No matter where you are in your journey—hesitant to begin, frustrated by failure, or striving for even greater success—Big Goals offers a proven roadmap to turn your ambitions into reality. Drawing on 15 years of cutting-edge positive psychology research and Caroline Adams Miller’s extensive coaching expertise, this book equips you with practical tools, unique worksheets, and actionable strategies to take charge of your personal growth and professional success.
If you’ve struggled with setting or reaching your goals, the problem isn’t your ambition—it’s your approach. Big Goals introduces a fresh, science-backed framework to help you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and achieve results that truly matter.
Through the pages of Big Goals, you’ll
How to use positive psychology practices to build grit, resilience, and a winning mindset. The BRIDGE methodology (Brainstorming, Relationships, Investments, Decisions, Grit, and Excellence) to clarify your goals and maintain momentum. How to integrate Goal Setting Theory (GST) for smarter task management, effective feedback, and consistent performance improvements. Packed with practical advice and real-world insights, Big Goals will inspire you to dream bigger and work smarter—whether you’re aiming for personal transformation, career advancement, or organizational success.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 27, 2024
53 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Adams Miller
19 books52 followersI am the author of "Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide" (Sterling 2009) which is the first book to combine the science of happiness with the science of goal accomplishment. I am one of the first graduates of the University of Pennsylvania's Masters in Applied Positive Psychology program, and I work with clients all over the world as a professional coach. I am the author of other books, including "My Name is Caroline," "Feeding the Soul," and "Bright Words for Dark Days.""
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 23, 2025
In "Big Goals", Caroline Adams Miller explores the science of goal-setting, emphasizing the importance of meaningful, actionable, and science-backed strategies. Inspired by her studies in positive psychology and Goal-Setting Theory (GST), she introduces the BRIDGE methodology—Brainstorming, Relationships, Investments, Decision-making, Grit, and Excellence—as a structured approach to achieving life’s most ambitious goals. Miller’s framework is especially timely in addressing the challenges faced by diverse groups, from millennials to midlife women, in a rapidly evolving world.
Goal-Setting Theory (GST), developed by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, forms the foundation of Miller’s approach. GST demonstrates that clear, challenging goals with regular feedback are essential for success. This theory also ties into self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to overcome challenges—highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving goals. However, Miller emphasizes the pitfalls of poorly planned goals, as seen in high-profile corporate failures like WeWork and Theranos. These cautionary tales illustrate the importance of strategic planning, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
The BRIDGE methodology begins with Brainstorming, which involves identifying one’s purpose and dreaming big. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of "ikigai"—a sense of purpose—Miller encourages readers to define what drives them and align their goals with their intrinsic motivations. Practical tools like journaling about one’s “best possible future self” can help clarify aspirations and transform vague dreams into concrete, actionable steps. Recognizing potential obstacles and tailoring strategies accordingly is a crucial part of this phase.
Relationships, the second element of the BRIDGE framework, focus on building a supportive network. Positive connections, or “nourishers,” can boost motivation and resilience, while negative influences, or “toxins,” should be minimized. Tools like relationship mind maps help identify key connections and prioritize meaningful relationships. Miller highlights the heliotropic effect, where the presence of supportive individuals fosters growth and success. Surrounding oneself with people who believe in and encourage one’s aspirations is vital to achieving big goals.
Investments, the third pillar, involve the deliberate allocation of time, energy, and resources. Using examples like golfer Matt Fitzpatrick and entrepreneur Greg McDonough, Miller demonstrates how personalized strategies and deliberate practice lead to success. The popular “10,000 hours” rule is reframed to emphasize the quality of effort over sheer quantity. Strategic planning, budgeting, and outsourcing nonessential tasks enable individuals to focus on what truly matters, turning aspirations into actionable realities.
The fourth stage, Decision-making, addresses cognitive biases and noise that can derail goal achievement. Miller explains how systematic errors and inconsistent judgments can hinder progress. Conducting a “noise audit” to identify patterns in decision-making can help mitigate these factors. By questioning biases and creating a framework for thoughtful, consistent choices, individuals can overcome mental traps and make sound decisions that align with their goals.
Grit, the fifth element, emphasizes perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Drawing on Angela Duckworth’s concept of grit, Miller differentiates between “good grit,” which inspires and uplifts, and “stupid grit,” which ignores feedback and can lead to burnout. She cautions against the pitfalls of hustle culture, advocating for a balanced approach that combines drive with humility and openness to collaboration. Grit, when paired with resilience and adaptability, becomes a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus.
The final stage, Excellence, centers on aligning goals with personal values and striving for authentic pride. Miller emphasizes the importance of mentors in helping individuals define and pursue excellence. Citing examples like swimmer Katie Ledecky and her coach, Yuri Suguiyama, she illustrates how trusted mentors can inspire individuals to aim higher and realize their potential. Excellence, according to Miller, is not about superficial accomplishments but about the growth and effort behind meaningful achievements.
Miller concludes by underscoring the transformative potential of the BRIDGE methodology. By integrating purpose, supportive relationships, deliberate investments, thoughtful decisions, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, individuals can achieve goals that are both inspiring and attainable. Success, she argues, is as much about the journey as the destination. Sharing one’s experiences and lessons with others fosters a sense of community and collective growth, making the pursuit of goals a deeply enriching experience.
"Big Goals" provides a comprehensive, science-based guide to setting and achieving meaningful goals. Miller’s BRIDGE methodology offers a practical roadmap for overcoming challenges and pursuing aspirations with clarity and purpose, empowering individuals to create their best lives.
Goal-Setting Theory (GST), developed by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, forms the foundation of Miller’s approach. GST demonstrates that clear, challenging goals with regular feedback are essential for success. This theory also ties into self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to overcome challenges—highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving goals. However, Miller emphasizes the pitfalls of poorly planned goals, as seen in high-profile corporate failures like WeWork and Theranos. These cautionary tales illustrate the importance of strategic planning, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
The BRIDGE methodology begins with Brainstorming, which involves identifying one’s purpose and dreaming big. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of "ikigai"—a sense of purpose—Miller encourages readers to define what drives them and align their goals with their intrinsic motivations. Practical tools like journaling about one’s “best possible future self” can help clarify aspirations and transform vague dreams into concrete, actionable steps. Recognizing potential obstacles and tailoring strategies accordingly is a crucial part of this phase.
Relationships, the second element of the BRIDGE framework, focus on building a supportive network. Positive connections, or “nourishers,” can boost motivation and resilience, while negative influences, or “toxins,” should be minimized. Tools like relationship mind maps help identify key connections and prioritize meaningful relationships. Miller highlights the heliotropic effect, where the presence of supportive individuals fosters growth and success. Surrounding oneself with people who believe in and encourage one’s aspirations is vital to achieving big goals.
Investments, the third pillar, involve the deliberate allocation of time, energy, and resources. Using examples like golfer Matt Fitzpatrick and entrepreneur Greg McDonough, Miller demonstrates how personalized strategies and deliberate practice lead to success. The popular “10,000 hours” rule is reframed to emphasize the quality of effort over sheer quantity. Strategic planning, budgeting, and outsourcing nonessential tasks enable individuals to focus on what truly matters, turning aspirations into actionable realities.
The fourth stage, Decision-making, addresses cognitive biases and noise that can derail goal achievement. Miller explains how systematic errors and inconsistent judgments can hinder progress. Conducting a “noise audit” to identify patterns in decision-making can help mitigate these factors. By questioning biases and creating a framework for thoughtful, consistent choices, individuals can overcome mental traps and make sound decisions that align with their goals.
Grit, the fifth element, emphasizes perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Drawing on Angela Duckworth’s concept of grit, Miller differentiates between “good grit,” which inspires and uplifts, and “stupid grit,” which ignores feedback and can lead to burnout. She cautions against the pitfalls of hustle culture, advocating for a balanced approach that combines drive with humility and openness to collaboration. Grit, when paired with resilience and adaptability, becomes a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus.
The final stage, Excellence, centers on aligning goals with personal values and striving for authentic pride. Miller emphasizes the importance of mentors in helping individuals define and pursue excellence. Citing examples like swimmer Katie Ledecky and her coach, Yuri Suguiyama, she illustrates how trusted mentors can inspire individuals to aim higher and realize their potential. Excellence, according to Miller, is not about superficial accomplishments but about the growth and effort behind meaningful achievements.
Miller concludes by underscoring the transformative potential of the BRIDGE methodology. By integrating purpose, supportive relationships, deliberate investments, thoughtful decisions, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, individuals can achieve goals that are both inspiring and attainable. Success, she argues, is as much about the journey as the destination. Sharing one’s experiences and lessons with others fosters a sense of community and collective growth, making the pursuit of goals a deeply enriching experience.
"Big Goals" provides a comprehensive, science-based guide to setting and achieving meaningful goals. Miller’s BRIDGE methodology offers a practical roadmap for overcoming challenges and pursuing aspirations with clarity and purpose, empowering individuals to create their best lives.
January 23, 2025
Big Goals (2025) looks at the science behind setting and achieving goals that truly matter, offering practical strategies backed by psychological research. Whether you’re chasing a personal dream or striving for success in your career, it helps you turn aspirations into reality by aligning purpose with action. Packed with actionable steps, it is designed to motivate you to push past limits and unlock your full potential.
Set and achieve goals
The BRIDGE methodology guides you through six key stages to achieve meaningful goals. First, brainstorm your goals by reflecting deeply on what you want to accomplish, ensuring the goal aligns with your values and intrinsic motivation. Next, consider the people who can help you along the way and how you can build a supportive network while minimizing the influence of negativity. Then it’s time to brainstorm creative strategies for achieving your objective. Consider the investments you’ll need to make, such as time, money, or energy, and plan for potential obstacles, leaning on grit to push through challenges. Define excellence clearly so you can measure progress and maintain motivation. Finally, set a realistic timeline to guide your journey and move forward with focus and confidence.
Set and achieve goals
The BRIDGE methodology guides you through six key stages to achieve meaningful goals. First, brainstorm your goals by reflecting deeply on what you want to accomplish, ensuring the goal aligns with your values and intrinsic motivation. Next, consider the people who can help you along the way and how you can build a supportive network while minimizing the influence of negativity. Then it’s time to brainstorm creative strategies for achieving your objective. Consider the investments you’ll need to make, such as time, money, or energy, and plan for potential obstacles, leaning on grit to push through challenges. Define excellence clearly so you can measure progress and maintain motivation. Finally, set a realistic timeline to guide your journey and move forward with focus and confidence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
If you want to make this year your best year, this book is a must read.
As an executive coach, I work every day with leaders pursuing goals to elevate their impact. And I’ve learned that how you start can make all the difference. Caroline Adams Miller explains how you can get an edge by bringing science to your goals.
Big Goals is an inspiring, insightful and illuminating book with research-backed strategies that help you set goals in a way that tilts the odds of succeeding in your favor. It will change how you’re approaching your most important personal and professional goals.
The book also has relatable stories that bring the science to life. Perhaps best of all, Big Goals includes a treasure trove of valuable exercises and tools like her BRIDGE framework to get you started.
The seeds of success are planted in how you set your goals. This book will help you ditch SMART goals and instead leverage an intelligent, empirically based way to get moving on what matters most.
As an executive coach, I work every day with leaders pursuing goals to elevate their impact. And I’ve learned that how you start can make all the difference. Caroline Adams Miller explains how you can get an edge by bringing science to your goals.
Big Goals is an inspiring, insightful and illuminating book with research-backed strategies that help you set goals in a way that tilts the odds of succeeding in your favor. It will change how you’re approaching your most important personal and professional goals.
The book also has relatable stories that bring the science to life. Perhaps best of all, Big Goals includes a treasure trove of valuable exercises and tools like her BRIDGE framework to get you started.
The seeds of success are planted in how you set your goals. This book will help you ditch SMART goals and instead leverage an intelligent, empirically based way to get moving on what matters most.
January 12, 2025
Big Goals is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone seeking to achieve ambitious goals while living a meaningful life. Drawing on her deep expertise in positive psychology, Miller masterfully combines research-backed insights with real-world applications to help us set and pursue big goals.
Grounded in science, Miller introduces her BRIDGE framework- brainstorm, relationships, investments, decision-making, grit, excellence - to guide us through the process of not only setting goals but also sustaining the motivation and resilience needed to achieve them. Each element of the BRIDGE framework offers actionable strategies, making it easier to align our ambitions with our values while overcoming obstacles along the way.
Grounded in science, Miller introduces her BRIDGE framework- brainstorm, relationships, investments, decision-making, grit, excellence - to guide us through the process of not only setting goals but also sustaining the motivation and resilience needed to achieve them. Each element of the BRIDGE framework offers actionable strategies, making it easier to align our ambitions with our values while overcoming obstacles along the way.
January 22, 2025
A really good self improvement book with tested science backed studies to support the content. Not too weighty a read but more substantial than most self help books.There is a sprinkling of additional ideas that I have heard before or elsewhere but the main bridge theory is new and the fact that it is evidence backed gives this book the validity and substance that many in this genre lack.The content is extremely useful and might give any reader some useful insights and new skills for their own personal development.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews