Summary

Have you ever set a beautiful goal, only to watch it crumble because life got in the way or you simply lost momentum? Most of us think we fail because we lack willpower. But the truth is usually found in the way the goal was written to begin with. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins advisory board member Amanda Powell to answer the high-stakes question: Why do goals fail?

We move from the frustration of setbacks to the peace of "becoming." Amanda, a special education teacher, shares her expertise on setting objectives that actually work. We discuss the critical difference between a "Setback" and a "Learning Step," and why focusing on who you are becoming is more important than checking a box. Amanda also shares a raw, personal story about attempting the 75 Hard program and getting COVID—revealing the danger of all-or-nothing goals and why learning to listen to your body is sometimes the greater victory. If you are ready to stop shaming yourself for missing a day and start partnering with God to discover the specific spiritual gifts you need to succeed, this episode is for you.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Baseline vs. The Goal: We often focus so much on the finish line that we forget to set the objectives (the path) to get there. Start with your baseline (where you are now) and celebrate every small step of progress.
2. The "What Lack I Yet?" Prayer: Instead of just gritting your teeth, ask God: "What gifts do I have to reach this goal, and what gifts do I need?" Asking for specific spiritual gifts changes goal setting from a solo performance to a divine partnership.
3. Setback vs. Learning Step: Amanda suggests eliminating the word "setback" from your vocabulary. When you get sick or miss a day, rename it a "Learning Step." What did that moment teach you about your body, your schedule, or your need for grace?
4. The 75 Hard Trap: Rigid, all-or-nothing goals (like 75 Hard) often lead to total defeat when life happens (like getting COVID). Flexibility isn't failure; it's wisdom. Listening to your body is often a more important goal than pushing it.

Resources

Do you need a plan for when you fall off the wagon? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to help you turn your setbacks into learning steps without giving up. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at a goal you recently "failed." Was it because you lacked willpower, or because the goal was too vague (e.g., "write a book" vs. "write 1 hour on Tuesdays")?
2. Have you ever prayed the specific question: "Father, what spiritual gift do I need to achieve this goal?" Try it today.
3. Are you currently in a "Learning Step"? What is God trying to teach you in this pause that you couldn't learn while running full speed?
4. Do you have an "all-or-nothing" mindset (like 75 Hard)? How could you modify your goal to "75 Soft" or "75 Grace" to make it sustainable?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/why-do-goals-fail