But then as I started to learn about myself more, then I all of a sudden had this notion where I'm like, I can set goals.

They can be really fun one.

Hi, this is Monica Packer, and you're listening to About Progress, where we are about progress made practical.

I think a lot of us have a complicated relationship with goals.

On one hand, we genuinely want to grow and to pursue meaningful things in our lives.

But on the other hand, if you're anything like me, goals could quickly become tangled up with pressure, proving yourself, all-or-nothing thinking, and burnout.

That's why this conversation today is so refreshing to me.

I am speaking with Dr. Danielle McHugh about a completely different way of approaching goals, one that's less about

squeezing more productivity out of yourself and more about becoming who you actually want to be

in the process. We talk about bold goals, inherited goals, which is something I only learned from

her and I love so much. We also talk about burnout,

over-functioning, and how to pursue meaningful growth without losing yourself along the way.

This episode is part of my monthly Wise Women series where I interview a particularly wise

woman on a topic she is an expert in. Dr. Danielle McGu is equal part professor, strategist,

and ritual nerd. She believes that most people are starving for isn't better behavior,

but work and lives that means something. For over 20 years, Danielle has taught in higher education,

helping individuals and institutions navigate change with integrity and

clarity. She hosts the Plan Goal Plan podcast and is a certified elite life coach supporting

high performing professionals and teams facing burnout, demoralization, and decision overload.

Danielle helps audiences rethink success, make wiser choices under pressure,

and realign not just with their goals, but with themselves. I was lucky enough to do a guest swap

with Danielle, so you should hear me on her show soon, if not already aired. Again, her show is

...