EPISODE · Jul 11, 2025 · 27 MIN
228. Why you set bigger goals when you miss the smaller one(s)
from Help Me Understand · host JK McLeod
You set a goal to work out three times a week. But after a few weeks of hitting maybe one or two sessions, you decide the answer is to raise the goal to five workouts a week. Sound familiar?In this episode, Coach JK breaks down what he calls the 'goal-setting paradox' the common behavior of setting even bigger goals after falling short of more realistic ones. He shares the concept of False Hope Syndrome, a cycle of overcommitting, underdelivering, and then repeating it with even higher expectations.JK explains how this cycle erodes self-trust, why it shows up even in experienced lifters, and how to break free from the "just try harder" mindset. You’ll hear research-backed insights from psychologists Polivy and Herman, plus actionable strategies to shift from inflated goals to habits that actually stick.Want free weekly workouts and behind-the-scenes programming notes from Coach JK? Join the email list HERE-------------------------Have a question or topic you'd like JK to talk about in a future episode? Submit it HEREConnect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleodEmail JK: [email protected] on YouTube:@CoachJKMcLeodCheck out Feed Your Habits* apparel here(code: JKFYH for 10% off)*available in the US only at this time
What this episode covers
You set a goal to work out three times a week. But after a few weeks of hitting maybe one or two sessions, you decide the answer is to raise the goal to five workouts a week. Sound familiar?In this episode, Coach JK breaks down what he calls the 'goal-setting paradox' the common behavior of setting even bigger goals after falling short of more realistic ones. He shares the concept of False Hope Syndrome, a cycle of overcommitting, underdelivering, and then repeating it with even higher expectations.JK explains how this cycle erodes self-trust, why it shows up even in experienced lifters, and how to break free from the "just try harder" mindset. You’ll hear research-backed insights from psychologists Polivy and Herman, plus actionable strategies to shift from inflated goals to habits that actually stick.Want free weekly workouts and behind-the-scenes programming notes from Coach JK? Join the email list HERE-------------------------Have a question or topic you'd like JK to talk about in a future episode? Submit it HEREConnect with JK on Instagram: @coachjkmcleodEmail JK: [email protected] on YouTube:@CoachJKMcLeodCheck out Feed Your Habits* apparel here(code: JKFYH for 10% off)*available in the US only at this time
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228. Why you set bigger goals when you miss the smaller one(s)
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