
Passion Struck with John R. Miles Caroline Adams Miller on the Keys to Achieving Big Goals | EP 548
In this episode, Caroline Adams Miller, a renowned positive psychology expert and author of 'Big Goals', shares insights on the science of effective goal setting. She presents her BRIDGE methodology and emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with personal purpose. Caroline discusses the unique challenges women face in achieving their aspirations and the role of grit and resilience in personal growth. Her journey through psychology and recovery highlights how overcoming adversity can lead to a fulfilling life, inspiring listeners to unlock their true potential.
01:13:15
Life-Changing Leap to Positive Psychology
- Caroline Adams Miller joined the first ever Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program in her mid-40s to reclaim her purpose.
- This bold step deeply transformed her life and shifted her sense of mattering through meaningful passion and knowledge.
Overcoming Bulimia: A Turning Point
- Caroline battled bulimia secretly throughout her achievements, almost losing her life.
- She found recovery and joy by meeting a role model at a 12-step group, which changed her life.
Learning vs Performance Goals
- Goal setting has two types: learning goals and performance goals, each requiring different strategies.
- Mixing their requirements causes failure, seen in major business disasters like Ford Pinto and Boeing 737 Max.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Unlocking the Science of Goal Setting for a Fulfilling Life
04:19 • 3min
Rediscovering Purpose: A Journey Through Psychology and Recovery
07:38 • 17min
Trustworthy Wireless Solutions and Hair Loss Treatments
24:59 • 2min
The Cost of Complacency: Lessons from Boeing
27:09 • 10min
Revolutionizing Goal-Setting: Evidence-Based Approaches for Modern Challenges
37:17 • 6min
Breaking Barriers: Gender and Goal-Setting
42:57 • 15min
Cultivating Grit and Goal-Setting
57:46 • 17min
Transforming Aspirations into Achievements
01:14:34 • 5min

#61
• Mentioned in 245 episodes
Grit
The Power of Passion and Perseverance


Angela Duckworth
In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent.
She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism.
The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders.
Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.

#2315
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
Authentic Happiness
Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment


Martin Seligman
In 'Authentic Happiness,' Martin E.P.
Seligman introduces the revolutionary science of positive psychology, challenging the traditional focus on mental illness by promoting an approach that fosters positive emotions, strengths, and virtues.
The book provides practical exercises, brief tests, and a dynamic website program to help readers identify their highest virtues and use them to improve all aspects of their lives.
Seligman emphasizes the importance of 'signature strengths'—unique personal traits that enhance happiness and fulfillment—and explores how these strengths can be applied in relationships, work, parenting, and education to create healthier, happier communities.

#481
• Mentioned in 67 episodes
Hidden Potential
The Science of Achieving Greater Things


Adam Grant
In 'Hidden Potential,' Adam Grant dismantles the myth that success is primarily due to innate talent.
He argues that potential is not fixed but can be cultivated over time through effort, persistence, and continuous learning.
The book emphasizes the development of 'character skills' such as proactivity, determination, and the ability to embrace discomfort and learn from failure.
Grant uses compelling stories of late bloomers and underdogs who achieved greatness through sheer determination, highlighting the importance of support systems, motivation, and the willingness to push beyond comfort zones.
The book offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations, applicable in various domains from education to the workplace and beyond.

#981
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
Measure What Matters


Laura Patterson
John Doerr's "Measure What Matters" explores the power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a goal-setting system.
The book showcases how OKRs have been used by companies like Google and Intel to achieve ambitious goals.
Doerr emphasizes the importance of setting clear, measurable objectives and tracking progress regularly.
The book also highlights the importance of aligning goals across teams and organizations.
It provides a practical framework for setting and achieving ambitious goals in various contexts, including business and personal life.

#4068
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Big Goals


Caroline Adams Miller
Caroline Adams-Miller's "Big Goals" delves into the science of goal setting, providing a practical framework for achieving ambitious objectives.
The book draws upon decades of research in positive psychology and goal-setting theory, offering a structured approach that moves beyond simplistic methods.
It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between learning and performance goals, and incorporates elements of decision-making science, relationship dynamics, and personal resilience.
The book includes numerous worksheets and exercises to guide readers through the process, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Ultimately, "Big Goals" empowers individuals to set and achieve challenging goals with a higher likelihood of success.

#19549
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
My Name Is Caroline


Caroline Adams Miller

#21672
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Woman's inhumanity to woman

Phyllis Chesler
In 'Woman's Inhumanity to Woman', Phyllis Chesler delves into the often-overlooked topic of women's aggression towards other women.
The book, which took 21 years to write, is based on extensive research including primate and anthropological studies, workplace analyses, sociological data, and hundreds of original interviews.
Chesler argues that women internalize societal biases and misogyny, leading to behaviors such as gossip, exclusion, and competition that undermine female solidarity and empowerment.
The book explores various contexts, including relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, friends, and women in the workplace, highlighting the need for women to recognize and overcome these internalized biases to achieve true sisterhood and personal growth.
#107888
Scare Your Soul


Scott Simon
Scott Simon's "Scare Your Soul" explores the importance of courage in achieving goals and living a fulfilling life.
It delves into the concept of facing fears and embracing challenges.
The book offers insights into the psychological and emotional aspects of courage.
It provides practical strategies for building resilience and overcoming obstacles.
Simon's work emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and taking risks to achieve personal growth.

#31563
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Positively Caroline


Caroline Adams Miller
Caroline Adams-Miller's "Positively Caroline" continues the narrative from "My Name Is Caroline," focusing on her sustained recovery from bulimia.
It explores the long-term challenges of maintaining recovery and the role of positive psychology in overcoming addiction.
The book offers practical strategies and insights for cultivating a positive mindset and building resilience.
It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and self-acceptance in the recovery process.
The book serves as a guide for individuals seeking lasting recovery from eating disorders.
In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, we’re joined by Caroline Adams Miller, a trailblazing positive psychology expert and author of Big Goals. With a career spanning decades of research, coaching, and personal transformation, Caroline takes us on a journey to uncover the science behind setting and achieving meaningful goals that lead to flourishing lives.Caroline reveals strategies beyond ambition, offering actionable frameworks like the BRIDGE methodology to help you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and accomplish the goals that truly matter. From leveraging the science of grit and resilience to understanding how goal-setting theory can transform your person.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/achieving-big-goals-caroline-adams-miller/Call to Action: Caroline Adams Miller’s insights into the science of setting and achieving big goals are a testament to the transformative power of intentionality, resilience, and grit. Whether she’s guiding individuals to unlock their potential, helping organizations achieve meaningful transformation, or sharing her groundbreaking research, Caroline demonstrates that true success comes from aligning ambition with purpose and happiness.This episode will resonate with anyone looking to break through barriers, embrace personal growth, and take actionable steps toward creating a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.Sponsors:
Connect with John
Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
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- Expert Insights on Goal-Setting: The episode features Caroline Adams Miller, a renowned positive psychologist and best-selling author, who shares her extensive knowledge on the science of goal-setting, grit, and success.
- Introduction of the BRIDGE Framework: Caroline introduces her revolutionary BRIDGE framework, which blends science, grit, and the psychology of flourishing to help listeners set and achieve transformative goals.
- Challenging Traditional Notions: The discussion challenges conventional goal-setting methods, particularly the SMART goals framework, emphasizing that it lacks scientific backing and can undermine goal achievement.
- Personal Journey of Resilience: Caroline shares her inspiring personal story of overcoming bulimia, illustrating the importance of resilience and the power of setting big goals in the face of adversity.
- Connection Between Happiness and Success: The episode highlights research showing that happiness precedes success, reshaping how listeners can approach their own goals and aspirations.
- Focus on Equity in Goal-Setting: The conversation addresses gender biases in goal-setting practices and offers insights on how organizations can create more equitable environments for women.
- My solo episode on The 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth
- My episode with Heather Moyse on How to Create a Gold Medal Mindset
- Listen to my interview with Thomas Curran on Breaking Free From the Perfection Trap
- Watch my episode with Rebecca Rosen on Unveiling Your Divine Purpose
- Catch my interview with Jessica Kriegel on How to Build an Intentional Workplace
- Listen to my conversation with Lauren Handel Zander on Unlocking the Power of Radical Personal Accountability
Connect with John
- Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
- Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
- Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
- Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
- Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

