Why SMART Goals Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead with Heather Barry)

Live & Linking #94 with Heather Barrie

This week’s guest is Heather Barry, a brilliant goal achievement strategist who doesn’t just talk about setting goals—she shows us how to actually achieve them.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at SMART goals or felt like traditional methods don’t quite fit the way you work, this one’s for you. Heather’s M.A.R.S.T.A goal-setting method is a total game-changer—designed to work with the way your brain ticks, whether you're a creative, a planner, or somewhere in between.

We talked about why most people fail at goal setting (hint: it’s not laziness) and how understanding your personal productivity style makes all the difference.

Heather introduces us to her Animal Productivity Quiz—where you might find out you’re a squirrel, a terrier, or even a magpie—and explains how knowing your dominant ‘animal’ helps you plan better, stay focused, and get things done without burning out. It’s fun, it’s insightful, and it’s surprisingly accurate!

So if you’re starting to think about what you want 2026 to look like, tune in. We cover everything from how to break down big goals into doable actions, why focus and accountability matter, and how to avoid the “set and forget” trap.

Heather also shares her goals for next year—including expanding her coach training programme and embedding her M.A.R.S.T.A method into more organisations. You’ll come away from this episode ready to plan in a way that feels inspiring, achievable, and totally personal.

🔗 Connect with Heather Barry: 🌍 Website: www.marstagoals.com 📲 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heatherbarrie1 🧠 Take the Animal Productivity Quiz: Click here

Don’t just set a goal—set the right kind of goal. Let’s do this. Like, comment, subscribe!

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