**Summary: Why Does Goal Setting Make Me Depressed and Anxious by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes** [Watch the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtHugpidjf8) **Outline Summary:** 1. **Introduction**   - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes   - Topic: Why does goal setting make me depressed and anxious?   - Explanation of the emotional responses to goal setting. 2. **Understanding Goals and Emotional Responses**   - Goals as statements about desired or needed changes.   - Change causes crisis and requires effort.   - Depression: Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.   - Anxiety: Response to perceived threats. 3. **Reasons Goals Trigger Distress**   - **Fear of Failure**:    - Cognitive distortions like personalization and all-or-nothing thinking.    - Importance of evaluating thoughts based on facts.   - **Reminder of Past Failures**:    - Analyzing similarities and differences between past and present situations.    - Learning from past failures to avoid obstacles.   - **Helplessness and Hopelessness**:    - Setting realistic and achievable goals.    - Breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable ones. 4. **Strategies for Effective Goal Setting**   - SMART Goals: Small, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Limited.   - Importance of frequent rewards to maintain motivation.   - Examples of goal-setting techniques. 5. **Overcoming Goal-Setting Challenges**   - **Behavioral Strain**: Breaking down goals for more frequent rewards.   - **Catastrophizing**: Assessing the probability of worst-case scenarios.   - **Lack of Motivation**: Ensuring goals align with a meaningful life.   - **Managing Too Many Goals**:    - Prioritizing, delegating, simplifying, and eliminating unnecessary tasks.    - Realistic time management and adjustment. 6. **Emotional Responses and Coping Mechanisms**   - Recognizing and addressing feelings of distress.   - Breaking down goals into weekly accomplishments.   - Maintaining a positive outlook and rewarding progress. **Time Codes for Major Points:** 0:00 Introduction by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes 3:20 Reasons Goals Trigger Distress 7:45 Fear of Failure and Cognitive Distortions 15:10 Reminder of Past Failures and Learning 24:00 Strategies for Effective Goal Setting (SMART Goals) 33:50 Managing Too Many Goals and Prioritization 40:15 Emotional Responses and Coping Mechanisms Feel free to ask if you need further details or a more in-depth explanation on any part of the video! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices