Very simply, goals are for suckers.
Scott Adams should be near the top of every list of great speakers and motivational authors in the history of mankind, and not just if the list is alphabetical. Like you, I’ve read most of the modern experts on motivation and goal setting, from the classics like Nightengale and Carnegie and Hill to favorite philosophers like Rohn and Tracy and Ziglar.
One of the best I’ve come across was written by Scott Adams. Yes, that Scott Adams, founder of and brains behind the Dilbert franchise.
Very simply, among many things, Adams says that goals are for suckers. Rather than goals, he uses what he calls systems. For example, rather than setting a goal to lose 25 pounds, set up a system that includes healthy eating and exercise and sleep. You’ll lose the weight and keep it off forever if you follow the system.
I can’t do Adams justice here, so read How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big for yourself. I especially enjoy Chapter 6, Goals Versus Systems, Chapter 11, The Energy Metric, and Chapter 24, Affirmations. Be sure to read Chapter 3 about passion. You’ll be surprised, and glad you did.