SMART Goals Are Sh*t’ & Getting 2026 Right as a Coach

In the final PTMA episode of 2025, Ant, Nik and Sky wrap up the year with a very coach-specific reality check:Should you actually run a front-end offer in January – or is it just another 6-week shred you’ll regret?Why the classic SMART goals approach is “shit” for coaches and clients… and how PTMA rebuilt their entire goal-setting system using bridge models, GROW and wildly important goals.How to get the most out of January 2026 as a self-employed coach (instead of landing back on the gym floor on 2nd January with no plan and a head full of pressure).Personal + business highlights from 2025, what changed inside PTMA, and what the team are excited for in Q1 2026 – including Connected Coach and the new January programme.00:00 – 03:40 – Intro & Christmas Film IcebreakerEnd-of-year chaos, dodgy Wi-Fi, Christmas film choices, Lapland prices, and Ant’s Home Alone obsession.03:40 – 04:15 – From Banter to BusinessQuick pivot from festive chat into the real question coaches are asking about January.04:15 – 05:55 – “Is a Front-End Offer in January a Good Idea?”Sky throws the question in; Ant breaks down:Why front-end offers in Jan can work really wellThe importance of aligning them with your values and long-term processHow to position the “what happens next” so it’s not just a 6–8 week graveyard.05:55 – 08:10 – Values, Messaging & Next Steps After a Front-EndHow to think beyond the shred:The real job of a front-endMaking sure it nudges people into meaningful action, not just a quick fix.08:10 – 08:23 – Quick Tech Question“What do you use to record the podcast?” → Riverside.08:23 – 11:36 – Why PTMA’s Goal Setting Is Different (and Why SMART Is Shit)Nik breaks down PTMA’s goal-setting framework:Why SMART goals alone don’t build ownership or internal motivationThe Bridge Model – where you are, where you want to be, and how to cross the gapLayering in GROW and Wildly Important Goals / OKRsBreaking business goals into 12 / 90 / 30 / 7 milestones so coaches actually follow through.11:36 – 12:03 – Holding the Space for CoachesA bit of back-and-forth between the team on Nik’s answer and how the framework evolved.12:03 – 16:48 – How to Make the Most Out of January 2026 as a Self-Employed CoachSky leads on:Why you can’t wait until 2nd–3rd Jan to decide your planGetting clear now on:What you’re offering in JanuaryWhether it’s a front-end offer, lead magnet, or new serviceWhen marketing starts and what channels you’re usingRunning end-of-year review calls and Q1 goal-setting with current clientsUsing feedback to protect retention so you don’t sleepwalk into a high-leaver JanuaryManaging your own energy, boundaries and schedule in a grim, cold month.Ant then adds:Why January success = December effortMatching your plan to your target (e.g. 12 new clients by end of Jan)Managing expectations and not kidding yourself with “wishful” plans.16:48 – 19:36 – Quick Reflections & TransitionShort wrap on the January piece and a move into more reflective questions.17:28 – 21:00 – 2025 Business Highlights – Restructuring PTMANik & Ant on:The conference as a consistent highlightCompletely restructuring and simplifying PTMA’s offersMaking it easier to get the best out of coaches with the right mix of directness and accountabilityThe messy middle of changing a business you’ve controlled for 8–10 years, and coming out the other side stronger.19:20 – 19:36 – Nik’s Personal Take19:41 – 22:49 – Ant’s Personal & Business Highlights22:49 – 25:15 – Sky’s Personal & Business Highlights25:15 – 26:07 – Grassroots Football GOAT26:07 – 28:18 – Looking Ahead to 2026 & Wrap-Up.28:15 – End – Merry Christmas & See You in 2026