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May 24 2012

Are we obsessed with goals?

41 min 3 movies discussed
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We've all been brought up to keep our eyes on the prize and our pedal to the medal when we go for that brass ring, but does the Western interest in goals verge on an insane obsession? Learn how goals work (and if they're healthy) with Chuck and Josh.

AI Summary

This Stuff You Should Know episode dives into the fascinating and surprisingly complex world of goal setting, exploring both the benefits and hidden downsides of our obsession with achieving specific targets. Josh and Chuck examine psychological research revealing that many popular goal-setting techniques actually make success less likely, while discussing how our brains naturally resist change and why some corporate "stretch goals" can backfire spectacularly. They also tackle whether constant goal-setting is always necessary or if there's value in simply being present and accepting where you are in life.


Movies Discussed

Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love
2010 2h 13m
★ 6.2
"And I think that Eat, Pray, Love book had something to do with that. — Chuck mentions this movie/book as influencing the trend of people setting goals before turning 30." — Chuck
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
1969
★ 7.8
"somebody who don't set goals who are not not like shaggy from Scooby-Doo. — Josh uses Shaggy as an example of someone who doesn't set goals but isn't lazy or unmotivated." — Josh
The Bucket List
The Bucket List
2007 1h 37m
★ 7.2
"And that movie, The Bucket List. — Chuck references this movie as another influence on people creating goal lists, and mentions knowing someone who worked on it." — Chuck

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