28 Mar 2026
1h 9m

#1077 - Chris Bailey - Why Some Goals Feel Effortless (and others hurt)

Podcast cover

Modern Wisdom

The discussion centers on understanding why some goals feel effortless while others become chores, with guest Chris Bailey, author of "Intentional: How to Live, Love, Work, and Play More Purposefully." Bailey introduces the concept of an "intention stack," a pyramid illustrating how daily tasks align with broader plans, goals, priorities, and values. He argues that goals aligned with core values are inherently more motivating. Procrastination is explored as an emotional response to tasks perceived as boring, frustrating, or meaningless, and strategies for overcoming it include structuring tasks, goal editing, and aversion journaling. Challenging the SMART goals framework, Bailey suggests that realistic goals can limit potential, advocating instead for challenging goals rooted in personal values to enhance motivation and achievement.

Outlines

Part 1: Foundations of Goal Science

Part 2: The Intention Stack and Alignment

Part 3: Overcoming Obstacles and Procrastination

Part 4: Authenticity and Social Influence

Part 5: Practical Application and Conclusion

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