Learning About Setting Goals

In this episode, Brian Miller and Brian Tracy kick off January's theme—Escaping the Tyranny of the Urgent—by looking back at Brian's 2025 goal list (10 goals… 3 achieved… baseball Hall of Fame, real life: "ouch"). They explore what a "failed" goal year can teach you: you can't predict what's coming, God opens doors you didn't even know existed, and the real win isn't perfect outcomes—it's faithful work and healthy relationships. Key Highlights Brian admits he set 10 public goals for 2025 and hit 3, then uses that "miss" as a learning lab rather than a guilt trip. You can't predict the future: partnerships changed, a collarbone broke, and leadership responsibilities shifted—none of which were on the goal spreadsheet. Hold goals loosely: both Brians describe learning to release control and stay alert to God's unexpected openings. Focus on the work, not the scoreboard: habits and daily faithfulness matter more than lofty targets (with a nod to Atomic Habits and the "become the person" principle). Relationships are the real goal: productivity can quietly sabotage what matters most—community, family, prayer partners, and life-giving friendships. Takeaways Set fewer goals—and build "adaptability" into them. A smaller number of priorities leaves room for real life (and real leadership curveballs). Measure faithfulness by the work you do daily, not just the outcomes you can't control. Ask: "Does this goal strengthen relationships?" If it doesn't, it might be a shiny distraction wearing a halo. Stop trying to kick down locked doors. Pay attention to the doors God opens—and when they open, walk through them boldly. Schedule rest and life-giving time on purpose. If you never plan time off, the urgent will happily eat your entire year.