The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund
The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care.
The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund
123. Goal Setting in the New Year: The Why, the Science, and the Strategy
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As the new year approaches—and yes, in the middle of tax season—this episode takes a grounded, practical look at goal setting and why it truly matters. From the neuroscience behind writing goals down to the data showing how few people actually do it, the hosts unpack what separates vague intentions from real momentum. The conversation also zooms out to share Rural Policy Partners’ own focus areas for the year ahead, including podcast growth, expanded contracts, and leaning into speaking strengths. Equal parts research-backed and real-world, this episode is an invitation to be more intentional about how—and why—you set goals in the new year.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Why the why behind your goals matters more than the goal itself
- The neuroscience of writing goals down versus typing them
- Surprising statistics about how few people set goals—and what that means
- How accountability and time-bound goals dramatically increase success
- The key goal focus areas for Rural Policy Partners in the year ahead
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 – Welcome, introductions, and the classic whiny farmer intro
00:02:10 – Why goal setting matters (especially during busy seasons)
00:05:15 – The neuroscience of writing goals down vs. typing them
00:08:30 – Goal-setting statistics that may surprise you
00:12:05 – Why accountability and time-bound goals increase success
00:16:20 – Translating data into practical, achievable action
00:19:10 – Rural Policy Partners’ goal focus areas for the new year
00:23:00 – Speaking, strengths, and looking ahead to what’s next
00:25:10 – Closing reflections and encouragement for intentional planning
Links:
- https://www.zippia.com/advice/goal-setting-statistics/
- https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-goal-setting/
- https://hscnews.unm.edu/news/setting-successful-goals
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11943480/
- https://www.nsls.org/goal-setting-techniques
Connect with us:
https://ruralpolicypartners.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/
https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners
https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MoZE7rSiPpM