Our guest in this episode is Debra Eckerling, a joyful goal strategist, award-winning author, and mastermind behind the DEB Method for simplified goal setting. Deb’s mission is to make goal pursuit contagious and fun, inspiring everyone to move toward what truly lights them up by connecting their goals to genuine passion. In her lively chat with host Jürgen Strauss, Deb shares her contagious enthusiasm for creating an authentic roadmap to success—one that begins with self-awareness, celebrates every win, and leans into the magic of community.
Key points discussed include:
* Building Goals on Authentic Passion: Deb emphasizes that meaningful goals must stem from self-discovery, not “shoulds”—what excites you is what sustains you!
* Celebrating Wins to Fuel Motivation: She encourages daily recognition of even small achievements, using a “win list” to keep momentum sparkly and strong.
* Harnessing Community & Boundaries: Deb champions networking as a source of mutual delight and support, while also gracefully setting boundaries to stay mission-aligned.
This episode is a delightful boost for anyone craving more joy, clarity, and connection on their goal-getting journey!
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
Show Notes From This Episode with Debra Eckerling, The DEB Method
Igniting Joyful Goal Setting: The Deb Eckerling Approach
Today, I’m delighted to dive into a radiant conversation with Debra Eckerling, goal strategist, workshop leader, and author on a mission to make goal setting as joyful and contagious as laughter. From the get-go, Deb’s energy simply bubbles over, transforming what many might consider a dry subject into a dynamic, celebratory experience. It's this passion that underpins her signature DEB Method—a method rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and genuine joy.
Deb believes that setting and getting goals shouldn’t feel like another chore on the to-do list. Instead, it ought to invigorate us, spark creativity, and become a party everyone wants to attend. By infusing goal setting with enthusiasm and a sense of celebration, Deb empowers others to find delight and meaning in each step toward their dreams.
The Foundation of Authentic Goals: Knowing What You Want
One of Deb’s core beliefs is that successful goal setting starts with true self-awareness. She observes that all too often, people pursue goals that aren’t genuinely theirs—falling into the “shoulds” handed down by others or dictated by circumstance. As she wisely puts it: “You can’t get what you want unless you know what that is.” This insight, though deceptively simple, lies at the heart of her philosophy.
Deb shares how, both in her own journey and in her coaching and workshops, she’s seen people transform simply by reconnecting with what brings them joy. She encourages us to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves not what others expect us to do, but what genuinely lights us up from within. This intentional approach lays the groundwork for goals that are rooted in authenticity—goals that inspire commitment and create lasting fulfillment.
Transforming Obligations into Opportunities
What about those times when you’re stuck in a job or obligation that isn’t your passion? Deb offers a gentle, practical perspective. Not everyone can immediately leap away from the day-to-day things that don’t light them up, and she’s quick to acknowledge the realities—bills, families, and the necessities of life. But even within these constraints, there’s space for joy.
Deb proposes finding “a hit of joy” on the side, whether that’s a creative project, a side hustle, or simply an activity that brings happiness. By letting these joyful pursuits fuel your spirit, you bring lightness into all areas of your life. Sometimes, these passion projects might even become a pathway to something bigger, but at the very least, they help make the less exciting responsibilities a bit more palatable.
Building Your North Star: The DEB Method Unpacked
At the center of Deb’s approach is her namesake DEB Method—Determine your mission, Explore your options, Brainstorm your path. The process begins with self-exploration, inviting you to visualize the life you want and craft both current and future bios, shaping your direction with clarity and intention. As Deb illustrates, this isn’t just about dreamy thinking—it’s about building a foundation, a “North Star,” that keeps your actions anchored and purposeful.
The next steps encourage curiosity and creativity: exploring your options and then brainstorming the actionable steps to get there. By breaking down even big, ambitious goals into tangible, joyful pieces, Deb removes the intimidation and opens the door to real progress. It’s a framework that honors both vision and practicality, always guided by what lights you up.
Boundaries and Saying Yes to Yourself
Of course, following your true path also means learning to say “no”—sometimes a gentle “not now”—to opportunities that don’t align with your goals or mission. Deb’s approach to boundaries is compassionate and generous: every “no” to something that isn’t a fit is a “yes” to yourself and an invitation for someone else to shine in that space.
She offers practical scripts and encouragement to help you navigate these choices without guilt or fear of missing out. By trusting your North Star, you make space for the opportunities that truly resonate, while giving others the gift of stepping into their own “yes.” It’s about honoring yourself and your journey—without closing doors or burning bridges.
Celebrating Wins and Fueling Motivation
Deb is a champion of celebration, weaving it into every step of the goal-getting journey. She reminds us that too often, we get caught up in the slog of progress, forgetting to honor the moments of achievement along the way. Whether it’s a tiny step forward or a major milestone, celebrating wins infuses you with the motivation to keep going.
Her suggestion to keep a daily “win list” is deceptively powerful. Writing down one to three things you accomplished each day—even if it’s just “I made it through”—builds an archive of positivity and progress. When doubt or fatigue creeps in, that list becomes a wellspring of encouragement, a reminder that you are, indeed, moving forward.
From Passion to Action: Embracing Community and Moving Forward
Finally, no one achieves their dreams in isolation. Deb celebrates the magic of community—whether it’s through goal groups, masterminds, or informal support networks. Sharing your wins, articulating your needs, and enthusiastically supporting others build an environment where success is magnetic and contagious.
In Deb’s world, action is iterative, fueled by passion and uplifted by others. She urges us to gift ourselves the time to discover what makes us unique, turn that spark into practical steps, and seek out the company of those who will cheer us on. After all, we are all part of a bigger ecosystem of possibility—and when we help one another rise, everyone wins.
Conclusion: Your Invitation to Celebrate and Act
Debra Eckerling’s approach to goal setting is a vibrant invitation: bring more joy, authenticity, and connection into your journey. Start your own win list today. Write down those small victories. Reflect on what truly lights you up. And remember, whether you’re taking your very first step or well on your way, celebrating your wins and building supportive connections will propel you forward. Let’s make goal setting a party we all want to attend—one filled with laughter, passion, and purpose. Your goals are yours to discover and achieve. Keep moving, keep celebrating, and let your light shine!
The Buzz - Our Innovation Round
Here are Deb's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.
* No. 1 thing to be more innovative – Listen to your inner voice because you already know the answers—you just need to ask yourself the right questions.
* Best thing for new ideas – Engage in activities like cooking or having conversations, as they allow your mind to wander and help generate creative ideas.
* Favourite resource – Tap into your community and network, asking questions and allowing others the opportunity to help you as a shared gift.
* Keep project/client on track – Set realistic deadlines while respecting your own calendar, making appointments with yourself and treating them as commitments just like those with others.
* Differentiate – Reflect through journaling or ask others what makes you unique, then fully own and enthusiastically lean into that quality.
Action
Deb encourages you to start a daily win list. Each day, take a minute to write down one, two, or three things you accomplished or that went well—then refer back to your list whenever you need motivation or a reminder of your progress.
Reach Out
You can reach out and thank Deb by connecting with her on social media at @thedebmethod everywhere, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also visit her website to learn more about her books, podcasts, and the Deb Method, or email her directly at [email protected]. For recaps of her Goal Chat sessions and to subscribe, visit thedebmethod.com/blog.
Links:
* Website - the DEB METHODⓇ for Goal Setting Simplified
* LinkedIn
* Facebook
* Instagram - @thedebmethod
* Writer: Jewish Journal, First for Women, Woman's World
* Podcast, Taste Buds with Deb
* Host, GoalChatLive/GoalChat
Books
* 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal Getting , Debra Eckerling
* Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals, Debra Eckerling
Cool Things About Deb
* She’s a Master Connector Who Makes Networking Feel Like a Party, Not a Chore.
Debra doesn’t just network—she creates spaces where strangers become collaborators and friends, often through playful “faux show” formats and spontaneous meet-and-greets. She’s the kind of person who can turn a random introduction into a lifelong partnership, and she genuinely delights in seeing others connect.
* Her Superpower Is Asking the Right Question at the Right Moment.
Debra has an uncanny knack for zeroing in on what someone really wants or needs—sometimes in just a few minutes. She’s the friend who’ll ask you a question that makes you rethink your whole approach, and she does it with warmth and curiosity, never judgement.
* She’s a Foodie at Heart and Brings That Joy to Her Work.
From her “Taste Buds with Deb” podcast to her use of food metaphors in goal-setting, Debra infuses her professional life with a love of food, flavor, and shared meals. She sees food as a way to build community and spark conversation, making her approach to business refreshingly human.
* She’s a Serial Celebrator—Big Wins, Small Wins, All the Wins.
Debra doesn’t wait for the “big moment” to celebrate. She’s a champion of recognising progress, no matter how small, and encourages others to do the same. Her energy for celebration is infectious and helps people stay motivated and positive.
* She’s Unapologetically Herself—Late-Night Worker, Early-Morning Conversationalist, and Always Up for a Chat.
Whether it’s working late after her live shows or jumping on a call at odd hours, Debra’s flexibility and zest for conversation make her stand out. She’s approachable, adaptable, and always ready to connect, no matter the time zone.
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