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In this episode, we're diving deep into why traditional goal-setting methods fail so many of us—especially neurodivergent folks and anyone who doesn't fit the conventional mold. Zeph introduces their revolutionary SLIC method (Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, Consistent) and shares why self-care isn't optional—it's strategic. But the real magic happens when we land on a beautiful reframe that might just change how you think about achievement forever.
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Episode Highlights:
- Why SMART goals create a restrictive binary that crushes creativity and exploration
- The semantic problems with SMART goal terminology that create confusion and ambiguity
- How "specific" goals create tunnel vision that blocks curiosity and the learning journey
- The SLIC Method: Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, and Consistent goal-setting
- Why self-care isn't selfish—it's a strategic foundation for sustainable success
- How to reconnect with your body through micro-practices and energy tracking
- The role of grace and compassion when breaking free from binary thinking
- What "queering" business practices means and why it's for everyone
- The beautiful reframe from "goal setting" to "becoming"—asking "What am I becoming?"
- Why consistency means showing up as your needs allow, not the same way every day
- How traditional goal-setting often leads to self-abandonment and disconnection from the body
Key Concepts Explored:
- The binary nature of SMART goals and why they create a restrictive pass/fail mentality
- The SLIC Method as an alternative: Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, and Consistent goal-setting
- Self-care as a radical act of rebellion against systems that devalue your worth
- "Queering" business practices to move beyond traditional binary frameworks
- The shift from "goal setting" to "becoming" as a more expansive approach to growth
- Body-based awareness and reconnecting with somatic needs during goal pursuit
- Why consistency means showing up according to your capacity, not rigid daily habits
Common Questions Answered:
- Why do SMART goals feel so restrictive and overwhelming?
- What makes the SLIC method different from traditional goal-setting?
- How do you start reconnecting with your body if you feel disconnected?
- What does "queering" goal setting actually mean?
- How do you define consistency without burning out?
- Why is self-care considered strategic rather than selfish?
Notable Quotes:
"SMART goals are very binary. You either succeed or you fail. And I'm not somebody who does the binary very well." - Zeph Williams [00:03:00]
"When I hear 'specific,' it feels like a narrowing down... You don't get to enjoy the journey and enjoying the view." - Zeph Williams [00:07:00]
"Self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic. When you take care of yourself, you are sending a gentle reminder that you matter and that your needs matter." - Zeph Williams [00:11:00]
"What if instead of goal setting, we focused on becoming? What are you becoming?" - Zeph Williams [00:32:00]
"There are just so many people who are brilliant... Sometimes it just feels like the world has just gotten to them and that light has gotten really dim." - Zeph Williams [00:28:00]
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Why SMART Goals Need a Rethink
[00:01:30] Meet Zeph: From Career Coaching to SLIC Thinking
[00:04:00] What’s Wrong with SMART Goals? The Limits of Over-Specification
[00:07:30] Beyond Binary Thinking: The Problems with Measurable & Time-Bound
[00:10:00] SLIC Goals: A Kinder Framework for Growth and Learning
[00:13:00] How to Know You’re Making Progress (Without Hitting a Number)
[00:15:30] Clarity Without Rigidity: Why Language Matters in Goal-Setting
[00:18:00] Accountability vs. Shame: Rethinking How We “Check In”
[00:20:30] Zeph’s Coaching Practice: How SLIC Supports Real Transformation
[00:24:00] Choosing Goals That Align With Your Values and Energy
[00:27:00] When Goal-Setting Feels Like Self-Punishment
[00:29:30] The Long Game: Creating Systems That Evolve With You
[00:32:00] SLIC in Practice: Real Examples from Zeph’s Clients
[00:35:00] How to Get Started with SLIC Thinking
[00:38:00] Wrap-Up: Connect with Zeph and Learn More
Guest Information:
- Zephyr Williams is an anti-hustle business strategist showing radical business owners how to build breathe-easy businesses that make their brains happy and let their bodies breathe. With a background in criminal justice policy and prison abolition work, Zeph brings a unique perspective on dismantling harmful systems and creating space for everyone to thrive.
Connect with Zeph:
- Find Zeph on most social platforms as @its_mxzephy
- Most active on Threads
- Instagram for regular updates
- Current launch: Aligned as F*ck Biz Clinic
Sara’s Links and Resources:
- Buy Sara’s book: youareastrategist.com
- Get a copy of Sara’s latest freebie: The Connected Strategy Guide
- Join Sara's Email Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
- Email Sara: sara@thinkydoers.com
- Virtual OKR Consult: Start your personalized virtual OKR consult
- Thinkydoers Homepage: saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
Upcoming Events:
- Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org
Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers .
Mentioned in this episode:
Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!
Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.
Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs Workbook
Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.
