Goals: Audition Them!

How Do You AUDITION Goals?

Full credit for the concept to Jon Acuff! He's a man on a mission about goals! He's written numerous books on the topic. I've mentioned him before on this blog here, here, and here. Jon has a new 30-day program beginning February 1, 2026 if you're reading this before it starts.

(I receive no affiliate bonuses or anything for shouting out his resources. He's just an awesome resource that may interest you.)

Try Out 1-3 Goal Ideas - Audition Them!
That's all - test out your goal ideas for 30 days to see if they're solid enough and whether you can commit to them. This can be done anytime in the year. Here we are after Quitters Day and talking about starting goals for the year!

Choose ONLY 1-3. More than that increases your chance of giving up as "too much" or burning out. You likely already have some habits or goals to maintain. Control the overwhelm.

Dream, Plan, Do, Review
These are Jon's basic steps to goal setting with my take on them. 

• Dream
  • Create a Brag Table: What are your wins from last year? Make a list or get tangible—put items on a table to see your accomplishments. (a race medal, a granola bar, completed project)
  • Create a Lessons Table: What would you consider doing differently and lessons learned? These are not necessarily negative (what could have been better), but literally what did you learn - take any classes or read an inspiring book?
  • Envision you in a year or at the end of this year: Really get into it - how will you feel, think, or look? Get all the senses into it to really put yourself in that place. How do you feel 65 pounds lighter or after you ran that 5k or got that dream job?
  • Consider what (or who) to remove to achieve this dream. Too many projects on your list? Time to get firm with yourself so you can be firm with others. Every "yes" is a "no" to something later if your plate is too full. Toxic relationships in your life? This is where you prioritize your needs - self-care. Get off the hamster wheel of "too much."
  • Do this with a kind and curious eye, not a critical one. Just examine yourself and your schedule, your hopes and dreams. Dare to dream what could be! No judgements. 
• Plan
  • Who inspires you? Consider a vision board. Who is a role model? Anyone who can be an active mentor in your journey? Maybe a podcast or audiobook to have in your ears regularly?
  • What are you trying to accomplish? Make it measurable. How will you know DID IT!
  • Where do you envision yourself working on this goal? Mentally put yourself there, then make it happen. Have a comfy chair with a cup of hot tea? Gym vs mall walking or the local park for exercise?
  • When will you work on this goal? Make a calendar appointment with yourself and keep it - no shifting for a better offer. You are worth the time commitment! 
  • How? What action will you take and steps to make progress? 
• Villains impacting goals
  • Too vague: "Lose weight." "Do this better." Hard as it is, the specificity is the anchor. 
  • Too big: "Run a half-marathon" when you've never run a mile is tough to stick with.
  • Wrong season of life: You can only accomplish so much when you have multiple wee ones to raise for now. This season doesn't last long, but you can realistically do only so much beyond raising humans. Same if you're caring for parents or are a caregiver.
  • Lone Wolf syndrome: There is strength in community. It doesn't need to be Jon's group. Build your own accountability group or system! Share your progress on your socials. Find a few others with similar goals for regular check-ins and cheering.
    • A group of even a couple of others holds you accountable.
    • They see things you can't see clearly. (they tried to tell you that guy was a jerk, but you were too deep in the moment)
    • Per Jon, sharing "doubles the wins and divides the losses." The group magnifies and shares the wins while commiserating and reassuring about the losses. 
    • "Archive progress and hold the wins for you." The group will remind you you're doing better than you realize. 
    • "Hope, discipline, and joy are contagious."

Back to Basics
What will you be doing next year with your goal achieved? Attach a reward to it! 

• You've written that long-promised book: Indulge in a get-away with your spouse or family!
• You've lost the equivalent of a football player in weight: Plan on a swanky spa day when you reach your goal! 
• Focus on something FUN rather than a number on a chart or in your bank account!

What Goals Will You Audition?
I'd love to hear what you're working on! I'd also be honored to be your accountability buddy as we cheer for each other!

Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn!