Do you feel like you’re stuck where you are in your life, drifting from day to day, bored but not sure what to do about it?
You’re not alone. So many people struggle with ennui in our modern world.
The key to breaking free of your apathy begins with setting meaningful goals for yourself. Fortunately, there is an easy-to-follow goal-setting method called DUMB goals that can get you started.
Read on to learn how to set DUMB goals and break free of your ennui!
What are DUMB goals?
The idea of DUMB goals was introduced by Brendon Burchard in a YouTube video back in 2014 (How NOT to Set Goals.). He was directly opposing and creating an alternative to the perenially popular SMART goal framework.
His take was that SMART goals are limiting because they are fundamentally grounded in reality; that, when we only work towards realistic goals, we end up in this state of apathy and ennui that so many of us find ourselves in today.
My take is a little less stringent. I think that SMART goals and DUMB goals can be used together to help you build your dream life.
But more on that later…
First, we need to learn about DUMB goals.
What does the D.U.M.B. in DUMB goal stand for?
D.U.M.B. goals are dream-driven, uplifting, method-friendly, and behavior-driven. They provide purpose and motivation that inspires us to reach our long-term goals.
Let’s walk through each piece of the DUMB goal acronym to understand more.
Dream-driven
The D in DUMB goals stands for dream-driven.
When using this method, one of the key components is to base your big goals on your big dreams.
Identify the thing that would make your life that much closer to amazing and make it your goal. Allow that dream to fuel your inspiration and sense of purpose, keeping you motivated to reach success.
By focusing on your most significant aspirations, you’ll be equipped with the drive and enthusiasm to achieve them.
Uplifting
The U in DUMB goals stands for uplifting.
As you set your goals, don’t worry so much about whether or not they are attainable but more so that they are uplifting to you. By focusing on an uplifting end result, you’ll be able to boost your motivation and keep yourself on track.
Ultimately, uplifting goals will make you feel good and feeling good will make you more productive. You’ll discover a renewed sense of energy and purpose that can encourage you to reach greater heights with greater ease.
Method-friendly
The M in DUMB goals stands for method-friendly.
A method-friendly goal becomes achievable because it allows you to create a road map to success, with clear milestones that you can track your progress against. This keeps you motivated and reinforces the belief that you can achieve your dream.
With a clear and repeatable process, you’ll have a greater sense of control over your progress and the ability to make small, incremental steps toward goal completion.
By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about making progress toward what may feel like an unattainable goal.
Behavior-driven
The B in DUMB goals stands for behavior-driven but is sometimes replaced with behavior-triggered. I think behavior-triggered is the more precise way of communicating the intended meaning of the “B.”
Think Atomic Habits here…
By adding new methods or habits alongside existing routines, we train our brains to automatically implement the new process without the need for conscious effort or control. This is key to achieving success, as it allows us to develop sustainable habits that help us to push through difficult moments and inertia.
Once we begin to see real progress towards our larger dream, it can help fuel our motivation and help us to see that the goal is indeed reachable, thus solidifying the behavior trigger even further.
Why should you use DUMB goals?
If you’re looking to level up your goal-setting game, DUMB goals are an excellent approach to consider.
DUMB goals inspire you to dream big about an exciting future!
While you might not see immediate results, it’s important to remember that anything worth achieving doesn’t happen overnight.
Moreover, DUMB goals help you to focus and motivate you to continue with the tasks that lead to the overall success of achieving your goal. The inspiration that comes with setting DUMB goals is hard to quantify but is undoubtedly beneficial in providing a sense of purpose and clarity to your ambitions.
How to write DUMB goals
Now, let’s learn how to set goals using the DUMB goal-setting process. There are four steps:
- Define your dream.
- State it in an uplifting way.
- Identify a method.
- Tie the method tasks to your behaviors.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s dive into more detail.
1. Define your dream.
Defining your dreams may seem daunting, but with some contemplation, you can uncover your true aspirations. Reflect deeply over activities that cause time to fly by, where work feels like play.
This is often your “zone of genius,” where passion and skill merge. Imagine turning these moments into your life’s work. That’s the seed of your impossible, audacious dream—nurture it.
2. State it in an uplifting way.
Craft your dream with positive language that reflects joy and fulfillment. Frame goals as affirmations, infusing them with energy and potential. For example, rephrase “I don’t want to always be stressed anymore” to “I want to live in peace and balance.” This conditions the mind to associate goals with proactive and beneficial states, reinforcing commitment and mobilizing the subconscious. Believe goals are within reach.
3. Identify a method.
Identifying a method means crafting a personalized process that supports your journey. Begin by breaking down your dream into manageable processes that can be integrated into your daily routine. Each step should be actionable, allowing for small, yet significant, victories that fortify your path toward your audacious goals.
4. Tie your new tasks to existing behaviors.
Integrate your goals into your daily life by ‘habit stacking,’ which involves adding new actions to habits you already perform. For instance, if you enjoy a morning coffee, use that time to journal your progress.
It’s about creating synergy between your established routines and newfound ambitions, fostering a harmonious blend that nudges you towards your dreams with each synchronized step. This approach reduces resistance and builds a natural flow in your journey.
Need an example of a DUMB goal?
John doubted he could ever become a writer, his lifelong dream, amid his busy life as an engineer. Yet, determined to not let his passion dwindle, John embraced the DUMB goals approach.
He started by sketching out stories during his lunch breaks, a method-friendly step that fit seamlessly within his existing schedule. Gradually, refining plotlines with his morning coffee became a routine, too.
He flourished and his dream began to feel reachable.
Months later, his collection of short stories led to a published anthology—John’s dream materialized, one uplifting and behavior-driven step at a time.
Key considerations for success
Now that you’re equipped with the strategies to craft DUMB goals, let’s talk about how you can make sure they serve not only as beacons of your deepest desires but also as attainable milestones in your life’s journey.
It’s important to note that while the process of setting goals can be filled with hope and enthusiasm, the path to achieving them requires consistent effort and the right mindset.
Remember, it’s not just about dreaming big – it’s about making those big dreams a tangible reality.
Can SMART goals sometimes be DUMB?
DUMB goals encourage us to reach for the stars without the immediate need for concreteness or feasibility, allowing our imaginations to soar and our spirits to aim high. On the other hand, SMART goals provide practical and realistic planning.
SMART goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
The SMART framework is excellent for short-term, actionable objectives, while DUMB goals are more suitable for long-term visions that we want to pursue with passion. Using SMART and DUMB goals together can help create a balanced and effective approach to goal-setting that allows for both practical action and inspirational dreaming.
Ultimately, the key to success is finding the right balance between these two frameworks and adapting them to your personal needs and goals. Whether you prefer SMART or DUMB goals, or a combination of both, what matters most is that they motivate and inspire you to take action.
Alternatives to DUMB goals
We’ve talked about SMART goals and how they are different from yet complementary to DUMB goals. Here are some other goal-setting techniques you can try:
- OKRs (Objectives and Key Results): This goal-setting framework helps you set ambitious goals and track measurable outcomes, great for both personal and team endeavors.
- WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan): WOOP is a strategy for setting goals by envisioning both positive outcomes and potential obstacles.
These techniques, each unique in approach, offer valuable strategies for various aspects of your goal-setting journey.
Whether you’re creating a bold vision for your future or establishing practical steps for daily progress, integrating these methods can equip you with an arsenal of tools for success.
Remember, the path to reaching your dreams is multifaceted, and surrounding yourself with a community that shares your drive and determination can make the climb all the more meaningful.
Wrapping up: My final thoughts on DUMB goals
DUMB goals are a powerful approach to goal-setting that can help you break free from apathy and ennui. By focusing on your big dreams, staying motivated and inspired, and finding a method-friendly approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success in whatever endeavor you choose.
Don’t forget to also incorporate SMART goals and other techniques into your strategy, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to dream big and make your impossible dreams a reality.
Continue exploring new strategies, staying connected with others who share your vision, and never give up on pursuing your passions and reaching for the stars. Keep pushing yourself forward, step by step, towards living the life of your wildest dreams.
Want to check it out for yourself?
Burchard, Brendon. How NOT to Set Goals (Why S.M.A.R.T. Goals Are Lame). YouTube. Brendon.com, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54aFTZ9POw4.
