The Goal-Setting Method That Actually Works

f you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly setting goals but rarely achieving them, you’re not alone.

Goal-setting is everywhere. From corporate team meetings to New Year’s resolutions, we’re constantly told to “set SMART goals,” “write them down,” or “manifest success.” But the truth is—most people don’t fail because they lack goals. They fail because they’re using the wrong system to accomplish them.

At Life Pulse, we believe that setting a goal is only valuable if you're doing it in a way that makes it easier to accomplish. And that’s why we created something radically different: Value-Based Gap Goals (VBGG).

What Is a Value-Based Gap Goal?

A Value-Based Gap Goal is a powerful framework developed by Matt Granados, Founder of Life Pulse. Unlike traditional goal-setting models, VBGG doesn’t just ask you what you want—it walks you step-by-step through how to actually make it happen by connecting your identity, intentions, and actions.

Using nine scientifically backed components, this method helps you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be—while aligning your goals with your core values.

Here’s the kicker: It only takes a few minutes to complete when you use the LP format. And if you’re working with a coach, they do most of the heavy lifting for you.

Why Most Goals Fail (And How VBGG Solves That)

Let’s be real. Most goals fail because they’re:

• Too vague

• Not tied to anything meaningful

• Unclear about where you’re starting

• Missing deadlines

• Lacking a plan of action

VBGGs solve all of this. By integrating research from performance psychology, behavioral science, and habit formation, this method ensures that your goals are:

• Aligned with who you really are

• Time-bound and measurable

• Anticipating the roadblocks ahead

• Backed by clear, simple steps you can actually follow

The 9 Parts of a Value-Based Gap Goal (Don’t Worry—It’s Quick)

Here’s what each VBGG includes:

1. Core Value – Starts with who you are, not what you want

2. Date – A clear deadline for execution

3. Roadblock – The expected challenge that could derail you

4. Current Benchmark – Your starting point (quantified)

5. Desired Outcome – Where you want to be (same metric)

6. Personal Benefit – What YOU get when this is accomplished

7. Monthly Action – One major task per month

8. Weekly Action – Regular recurring steps

9. Push Task – A quick, 20-minute action you can take any day

It sounds like a lot, but trust us—this system is faster and more effective than anything else you’ve tried. Especially when your coach helps walk you through it.

The Research Behind VBGG

This method isn’t just a gut feeling—it’s backed by decades of research:

• SMART goals improve clarity and direction (Gollwitzer, 1990)

• Values alignment increases motivation and long-term success (Sheldon & Elliot, 1999)

• Written goals with deadlines are 42% more likely to be achieved (Dominican University study)

• Planning for obstacles significantly increases follow-through (Implementation Intentions Theory)

• Micro-actions like Push Tasks build consistent habits (BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits)

Why This Works at Scale

The best part? It’s scalable. When one of the world’s largest organizations asked us to teach this system to 75,000 employees, we knew we needed a goal-setting tool that wasn’t just good—it had to be effective and repeatable. That’s exactly what VBGG is.

Whether you’re a business leader looking to increase team performance or an individual just trying to stick to your goals this year, this is your path.

Ready to Bridge the Gap?

If you’re tired of setting goals that never materialize—stop trying harder. Start setting smarter. And that means switching to Value-Based Gap Goals.

✅ Read the full e-book: Below

✅ Let us build you a custom 90-Day Goal Rush.

✅ Work with a coach: You’ll never look at goal-setting the same way again

Because anyone can set a goal. But few people achieve them. Let’s change that—starting today.