Goal setting: listen to your future self with Chris Beard

The One Word That Defines Success in 2025

When setting goals, it’s easy to get caught up in the complexity of planning, but what if success in 2025 could be distilled into just one word? This was the first challenge Chris Beard from the Accountable Boardroom posed to attendees at the February 2025 LinkedIn Local Sunshine Coast event.

Chris invited participants to fast forward to December 2025 and reflect on what they needed most to build their ultimate business by the end of the year. Answers varied widely—some said vision, others said profit, while some focused on personal aspects like time or gratitude. There was even a humorous response: "$12,000!"

The exercise highlighted an essential truth: while strategies and tactics are important, success starts with clarity. Defining a single guiding principle for the year ahead helps business owners focus their decisions and align their efforts.

"What is the one thing that we should all have when we go into 2025 to achieve our ultimate business?" – Chris Beard

Chris stressed that every business owner needs to identify their key driver—whether it’s growth, stability, financial freedom, or work-life balance. That single word serves as a north star, keeping you on track when challenges arise.

Takeaway: Before setting detailed goals, ask yourself: What one thing do I need most to make 2025 a success? That word will shape your mindset and guide your decisions throughout the year.

Understanding the Identity Iceberg

One of the most powerful insights from the workshop was Chris Beard’s explanation of the Identity Iceberg Model. This model illustrates that the key to achieving success is not just about what we do but who we are and what drives us beneath the surface.

Chris began by describing how, much like an iceberg, only a tiny portion of our actions are visible to the outside world. This is what people see—our behaviours and results. However, what truly influences these behaviours lies below the surface. These unseen layers include:

• Skills – The abilities we develop over time.

• Beliefs – What we hold to be true about ourselves and the world.

• Values – The principles that shape our decisions.

• Identity – The core of who we are.

• Environment – The people and surroundings that influence us.

Chris explained that our identity and environment drive everything above the surface. If our values are misaligned, it creates a ripple effect that impacts our beliefs, skills, behaviours, and, ultimately, the results we achieve.

"If our values are not aligned, it has a ripple effect upwards, and we start to behave unnaturally." – Chris Bear.d

A key takeaway from this discussion was that motivation doesn’t come from sheer willpower alone—our environment profoundly influences it. Chris challenged attendees to assess whether their surroundings were fueling their goals or holding them back.

Action Step: Take a moment to reflect on what’s beneath your Identity Iceberg. Are your values supporting your goals? Is your environment setting you up for success? If something feels off, it might be time to make changes at the foundational level before trying to push forward.

The People Around You Can Make or Break Your Goals

One of the most eye-opening moments of the workshop was when Chris Beard addressed a crucial but often overlooked aspect of success—the influence of the people around us.

Chris highlighted that the environment we create—personally and professionally—directly impacts our mindset, motivation, and, ultimately, our results. He referenced a well-known quote by Jim Rohn:

"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely."

He then posed a challenging question to the room:

"Are there some people in your life that need an adjustment of time spent with?"

Chris wasn’t just talking about cutting out negative influences and being intentional in who we bring closer. He encouraged attendees to consider:

• Who inspires and challenges you?

• Who drains your energy and holds you back?

• Who must you spend more time with to help achieve your goals?

Many business owners struggle with maintaining relationships that no longer align with their vision. While some people support our goals, others—intentionally or not—can stall our progress. Chris explained that it’s not about completely cutting people off but rather adjusting your time and energy to ensure you surround yourself with motivating and growth-oriented individuals.

"Our environment is the people we have around us—they will either support or block our goals." – Chris Beard.

This was a powerful realisation for many in the room. The exercise challenged attendees to conduct a “network audit”, evaluating the people in their lives and making conscious decisions about who to prioritise.

Action Step:

Take a few minutes to list the five people you spend the most time with. Ask yourself:

• Are they lifting you or pulling you down?

• Do they challenge and inspire you?

• Are they aligned with your goals and values?

If the answer is no, it might be time to seek new influences—mentors, peers, and communities that will help drive you forward in 2025.

The Four Mindset Zones: Where Are You Operating?

One of the most insightful moments of the workshop came when Chris Beard introduced the Four Mindset Zones, a framework designed to help business owners understand how their mindset affects their ability to achieve their goals.

Chris explained that we all operate within different zones at various times, but long-term success depends on moving into the right ones. He asked the audience to imagine a four-quadrant model: the vertical axis represents growth vs. sinking, and the horizontal axis represents hard vs. easy.

Here’s how the zones break down:

1️⃣ Comfort Zone (Easy, but stagnant) – This is where things feel safe and familiar, but there’s little to no progress. Staying in this zone leads to stagnation and missed opportunities.

2️⃣ Danger Zone (Hard, but draining) – This is where burnout happens. You’re constantly overwhelmed, reacting to problems, and struggling to stay afloat. The work feels hard, but not in a productive way.

3️⃣ Combat Zone (Hard, but productive) – This is the space where real growth happens. You’re making difficult but strategic decisions that push you towards success. Chris explained that while challenging, this zone is essential for achieving big goals.

4️⃣ Power Zone (Easy & Growing) – The ultimate goal! In this space, things feel effortless yet productive. Growth comes naturally, and challenges feel manageable because the right systems, mindset, and environment are in place.

Chris stressed that many business owners spend too much time in the Comfort Zone or Danger Zone, which prevents them from making real progress.

"As entrepreneurs, we need to make hard decisions in the Combat Zone—it’s where growth happens." – Chris Beard.

A key takeaway was that growth isn’t supposed to be easy, but that doesn’t mean it should be overwhelming. The Combat Zone is where calculated risks and strategic moves happen, leading to sustainable success.

Action Step: Take a moment to reflect—which mindset zone are you operating in most of the time? If you find yourself stuck in the Comfort or Danger Zone, think about one strategic action you can take to shift into the Combat Zone, where real progress happens.

Overcoming Fear: The Key to Reaching Your Goals

One of the biggest roadblocks to achieving ambitious goals is fear. Fear of failure, fear of making the wrong decision, or even fear of success can keep business owners stuck in their Comfort Zone, avoiding the actions that lead to real progress.

Chris Beard tackled this head-on by asking a thought-provoking question:

"What is the number one antidote that deals with fear and makes the Combat Zone enticing?"

Attendees responded with answers like:

• Courage

• Action

• Self-confidence

• Support

• Determination

While all of these are essential, Chris emphasised that the real antidote to fear is having a meaningful goal that is so compelling it drives you to push through uncertainty and take action.

"Having a meaningful goal is what enables us to push through fear and take action." – Chris Beard.

Chris used the analogy of a shark circling an iceberg, representing the fear that holds us back. Fear keeps us trapped in the Comfort Zone without a strong enough goal. However, when the goal is powerful enough—financial freedom, business expansion, or work-life balance—it creates the momentum needed to break through fear and move into the Combat Zone where real growth happens.

This was an "aha" moment for many attendees. Instead of viewing fear as a stop sign, Chris encouraged them to see it as a checkpoint—a natural response that means stepping outside their comfort zone into a space of opportunity.

Action Step: Think about a time when fear stopped you from taking action. Now, ask yourself:

• Was the goal compelling enough to push through the fear?

• If not, how can you make the reward more meaningful to outweigh the risk?

A clear, exciting goal makes fear feel temporary, while not taking action leads to regret. As Chris put it:

"Fear is momentary, but regret is forever."

Setting Meaningful Goals for 2025

After addressing fear, Chris Beard guided attendees through an essential step—defining clear and meaningful goals. He emphasised that the right goals push you forward, challenge you, and create a real impact in both business and life.

To help structure their thinking, participants were encouraged to consider goals across three areas:

1️⃣ Career Goals

Chris asked attendees to think beyond revenue and consider what true success looks like in their careers. Some examples included:✔ Increasing revenue or hitting a financial milestone (e.g., first six-figure year, doubling profits)✔ Expanding their network and influence in their industry✔ Learning a new skill or gaining a qualification to grow their business✔ Taking on bigger opportunities—such as launching a new product or expanding into a new market

2️⃣ Relationship Goals

While business growth is important, relationships are key to overall success. Attendees reflected on:✔ Strengthening their communication skills with their team and clients✔ Finding a business mentor or coach for guidance✔ Creating better work-life balance to nurture personal relationships✔ Expanding their professional network to open up new opportunities

3️⃣ Health & Wellbeing Goals

A crucial but often neglected area—how personal well-being affects business performance. Chris challenged attendees to prioritise:✔ Mental clarity—avoiding burnout and stress✔ Physical health—creating sustainable energy for productivity✔ Personal time—ensuring their business doesn’t consume their life✔ Financial security—planning for the future with confidence.

Chris then asked the group:

“What goal would truly excite you? Something that feels just out of reach but would be life-changing if achieved?”

He stressed that the best goals should stretch you beyond what seems possible. If a goal feels too easy, it’s likely not big enough to create real change.

Action Step:

1️⃣ Write down one goal in each of the three areas (Career, Relationships, Health).2️⃣ Ask yourself: Does this goal challenge me? If not, increase it by 20%.3️⃣ Reflect on: What would achieving this goal mean for my business and personal life?

Chris left attendees with a final thought:

"The best goals don’t just give you results; they take you on a journey that transforms who you are."

The ‘Listen to Your Future Self’ Exercise

One of the most powerful exercises of the evening was ‘Listen to Your Future Self’, where Chris Beard asked attendees to visualise their success as if it had already happened.

Chris guided participants through a visualisation exercise, encouraging them to imagine themselves in December 2025, accomplishing their most ambitious goals.

“You’ve achieved it. You’re there. It’s the end of 2025. What does life look like? What has changed in your business? What impact has it had on your relationships and well-being? Close your eyes and feel that moment.”

The room fell silent as attendees reflected on the future they wanted to create. Chris then introduced the next step—writing a letter from their future self.

Writing to Your Present Self

Each participant was given a blank sheet of paper and an envelope. Chris explained that this was no ordinary letter—it was a message from their successful, future self to the version of them sitting in that room today.

The letter included:✔ What you’ve accomplished in 2025 – Describe your business growth, personal achievements, and milestones.✔ The moment you decided to go for it – What pushed you to take action?✔ Words of encouragement – What would your future self say to keep you motivated?✔ How achieving your goals made you feel – Capture the pride and excitement of reaching your ambitions.

“This is not about what ‘might’ happen. You are writing this as if it already has. Your future self is looking back on 2025, reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been.” – Chris Beard.

The Accountability Factor

To make the exercise even more powerful, Chris announced that he would mail these letters back to attendees at the end of 2025. This added an unexpected layer of accountability, ensuring participants would face their own words and commitments a year later.

Many found this exercise profoundly moving. It provided a tangible connection to their future goals, helping them to bridge the gap between intention and action.

Action Step: Even if you weren’t at the event, you can do this right now:1️⃣ Write a letter to yourself dated December 2025. Describe your biggest wins, how you overcame challenges, and what advice your future self would give you.2️⃣ Seal it in an envelope and set a reminder to open it in one year.3️⃣ For extra accountability, give it to a mentor or friend to mail back to you.

Chris left attendees with this final thought:

“You can either make 2025 your best year yet or photocopy 2024 and get the exact same results.”

The choice is yours.

The Sniff Test: Does Your Goal Pass?

After setting goals, Chris Beard introduced a final reality check—The Sniff Test.

He encouraged attendees to take a step back and ask themselves:

“Does your plan smell like roses, or does it smell like a dog fart?”

The room erupted with laughter, but the point was serious. Many people set goals that look good on paper but lack real meaning, alignment, or motivation. Chris explained that before committing to a goal, you must ensure it excites and challenges you.

How to Give Your Goals the Sniff Test

To determine whether a goal is worth pursuing, Chris recommended asking: ✔ Does this goal excite me? – If thinking about achieving it doesn’t light a fire in you, it’s probably not the right goal.✔ Is this goal aligned with what I truly want? – Many people set goals based on what they "should" do rather than what matters to them.✔ Does this goal scare me just a little? – A great goal should stretch you. If it feels too easy, you’re aiming too low.✔ Will I regret not going after this? – If yes, that’s a sign you need to commit fully.

Chris explained that the most successful business owners don’t just set any goals—they set the right goals. A goal that passes the Sniff Test should feel like a must-do, not just a nice-to-have.

Making Your Goals Unforgettable

Chris shared a simple but powerful hack to keep goals top of mind every single day:

? Choose ONE WORD that represents your goal for 2025.? Record yourself saying it and set it as your morning alarm.? Write it on your bathroom mirror, set it as your phone wallpaper, or wear it on a bracelet.

“Every morning, when you wake up and hear your voice saying that word, it will remind you why you’re pushing forward.” – Chris Beard.

Action Step: 1️⃣ Take your biggest goal for 2025 and run it through the Sniff Test.2️⃣ Choose one word that embodies your goal.3️⃣ Find a way to keep that word in front of you daily.

Challenge yourself to raise the bar if your goal doesn’t excite you. You’re on the right track to an incredible year if it smells like roses.

Conclusion: Make 2025 the Year of Growth

As the LinkedIn Local Sunshine Coast event came to a close, Chris Beard left attendees with one final challenge:

“You can either make 2025 your best year yet or photocopy 2024 and get the exact same results.”

The choice is up to you.

This workshop wasn’t just about setting goals and creating a mindset shift. Throughout the session, attendees learned that success isn’t just about what you do but who you surround yourself with, the mindset you cultivate, and the actions you take consistently.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop:

✔ Define Your Focus: Success starts with clarity. Choose one word to guide your year.✔ Align Your Environment: The people around you either fuel your success or hold you back. Be intentional.✔ Step Into the Right Mindset Zone: Growth happens in the Combat Zone—where challenges push you forward.✔ Push Through Fear: Fear is temporary, but regret lasts forever. The right goal will pull you through the discomfort.✔ Write to Your Future Self: Create a powerful accountability tool by visualising and committing to your success.✔ Give Your Goals the Sniff Test: It’s probably not the right goal if it doesn't excite you.

What’s Next? Take Action Today

If you weren’t at the event, you can still apply these insights right now:

1️⃣ Write down your biggest goal for 2025.2️⃣ Run it through the Sniff Test—is it genuinely inspiring?3️⃣ Make a word representing your goal part of your daily routine.4️⃣ Write a letter from your future self and set a date to open it.5️⃣ Surround yourself with the right people who will challenge and support your success.

Chris reminded everyone that growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentional action, commitment, and consistency.

So, what’s it going to be?

Will you make 2025 the year you grow, or will you let it be a repeat of last year?

The best time to start is now. 

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