EP161: Your Next Best Step: Why Coaching is the Key to Achieving Your Goals
BRIDGING THE GAP
Working with a coach can bridge the gap between planning and getting results!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
At this point in the year, if you're in an organization, you're probably wrapping up your 2025 goals and starting to put them into motion. Organizations typically follow a trickle-down approach when setting goals—big-picture objectives are set at the top and then cascade down to departments, teams, and individual contributors. If you’re setting personal goals, you likely did that at the beginning of the year, but by now, February is here, and that initial excitement may be fading.
In last week’s post, I talked about the importance of stopping the talk and starting to take action on your goals. If you missed that, go back and check it out! But today, let’s assume your goals are written, and you’ve started working on them. Here’s what I’ve learned from my long career in HR and leadership: if you don’t have the right structures in place, it’s easy to get distracted, overwhelmed, or completely lose sight of your goals.
Why Goals Fall Apart
Many organizations rely on annual performance reviews to track progress, but that’s not enough to keep goals top of mind. In my coaching conversations with leaders, I’ve noticed that when there’s no real clarity or specificity around a goal, it’s much harder to follow through.
Even if you have clear goals, there are still common pitfalls that derail progress:
→ Too many goals – Spreading yourself too thin makes it hard to focus.
→ Lack of clarity – If you don’t define success, how will you recognize it?
→ Overcomplicating the process – You don’t need the perfect metric to measure progress.
→ Fear and limiting beliefs – Inner doubts and imposter syndrome hold you back more than you realize.
→ Lack of accountability – Without someone to check in with, it’s easy to let things slide.
How to Set Yourself Up for Success
To give yourself the best chance of achieving your goals, start by asking the right questions:
What does success actually look like? Instead of vague goals like “improve communication,” define it: Does that mean fewer misunderstandings? More direct feedback?
How will I track progress? Whether it’s a monthly check-in, feedback from colleagues, or tracking key milestones, accountability is essential.
How will I hold myself accountable? Scheduling reminders is helpful, but real accountability often comes from involving someone else in the process.
Why Coaching is the Missing Piece
This is where coaching comes in. Coaching isn’t just about getting advice—it’s about having a partner who helps you stay clear, accountable, and aware of the internal barriers that might be holding you back.
A coach helps you:
Clarify your goals and align them with your values.
Break down goals into actionable steps without overcomplicating them.
Identify and overcome internal roadblocks like fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome.
Stay accountable by providing structured support and helping you course-correct when needed.
Tap into your confidence so you take action from a place of empowerment.
Coaching in Action: A Real-Life Example
One of my coaching clients wanted to elevate her position within her organization. Her role was labeled as a specialist, but she was already performing at a higher level. She wanted to advocate for a title change and salary increase but struggled to take action.
At first, she focused on the external steps—putting together a proposal, gathering evidence, setting up meetings. But what really held her back? Fear of what others would think and a lack of confidence in herself.
Through coaching, we worked on shifting her mindset. She learned how to advocate for herself from a place of confidence rather than fear. Once she did, she was able to navigate the conversation with clarity and alignment, and ultimately, she achieved the goal she had set for herself.
This is why coaching is transformational—it’s not just about strategy; it’s about shifting the beliefs that shape our actions.
You Are Worth the Investment
Coaching isn’t just for struggling leaders or people who feel stuck—it’s for anyone who wants to maximize their impact. Whether you’re working toward career progression, developing leadership skills, or tackling personal growth goals, having a coach accelerates your progress.
So, when you look at your action plan for the year, ask yourself:
✨ Do I have the right support in place to truly achieve my goals?
✨ Am I addressing the mindset barriers that might be holding me back?
✨ Am I willing to invest in myself and my future?
You are worth the investment. And when you reach your goals, it’s not just you who benefits—your team, your organization, and the people around you will, too.
If you’re ready to take your goals seriously, let’s talk about what coaching could look like for you. Whether it’s with me or another coach, don’t go at it alone. The support you put in place today will determine the success you create tomorrow.
What Do You Think?
Are you engaging with the right support to help you reach your goals?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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