About this Presentation
In The Science of Goalsetting, Debi Roberts explores how Theory of Constraints can strengthen the way we set and pursue goals. Rather than focusing only on defining the destination, Debi emphasizes the importance of identifying what is standing in the way. Using Dr. Eli Goldratt’s Ambitious Target Tree as the structural backbone, the session shows how to define a meaningful goal, surface the obstacles that could prevent success, translate those obstacles into intermediate objectives, and map the actions needed to move forward. Debi also connects TOC thinking with research on mental contrasting, grit, written commitment, and accountability, creating a practical framework that participants can use for personal, team, or organizational goals.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
Debi Roberts challenges the idea that setting a clear goal is enough. The session focuses on the gap between knowing where you want to go and understanding what is actually preventing progress, using Theory of Constraints to make the obstacles visible rather than relying on motivation alone.
The Ambitious Target Tree provides the structure for turning a goal into a practical path forward. Debi uses the process to move from the desired goal to the obstacles standing in the way, then to the intermediate objectives and actions needed to overcome them.
The session connects TOC with broader goal-setting research. Mental contrasting, grit, written commitment, and accountability are brought together with the Ambitious Target Tree to strengthen the planning process and help participants move from intention to action.
The approach is designed to be immediately usable. Participants are not just introduced to a goal-setting concept; they are guided toward building a practical plan that can be applied to personal goals, team objectives, or organizational challenges after the session.
Instructor(s)
Debi Roberts MA Ed
Debi Roberts is an award-nominated educator, trainer, curriculum designer and international speaker with nearly two decades of experience developing and scaling programs in suicide prevention, online safety and young people’s mental health. A published author with Routledge and Speechmark, she is recognized globally for pioneering the first application of Theory of Constraints (TOC) in suicide prevention and for creating the Prescription Safe Plan, a world-first patient–clinician tool now translated into 16 languages.
Former CEO of The OLLIE Foundation, Debi led the charity’s national growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its programs from three to nineteen and training thousands of people across education, healthcare and corporate sectors. Her work combines safeguarding-led, trauma-aware and evidence-informed practice with engaging, practical delivery that equips audiences to create meaningful change.