When It Comes to Resolutions DUMB is the New SMART

I have a complicated relationship with goals, resolutions, and structure. Maybe you do too. I have a tendency to set goals or resolutions and then give up on them when they feel too constricting, limiting, or restrictive. I am very good at rebelling against myself. Sound familiar?

I have learned that I need a lot of freedom and autonomy (or at least the perception of freedom and autonomy).

I do love a good system, though. In my mind, the ideal system is like a garden trellis. It provides the structure and support to allow for a beautiful, organic, flowering vine to grow around it. I don’t like structure for the sake of structure. But structure for beauty, I’m in.

When I came across Brendon Burchard’s concept of DUMB goals, in his video How NOT to Set Goals (Why S.M.A.R.T. goals are lame), I knew I had found a system that was more my speed.

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable or Achievable, Realistic or Relevant, Time Bound) goals are used in the therapy and business world every day. I’ve written thousands of these goals for my patients over the years. They have their place. They are very good at justifying physical therapy services to third party payers. But they’re not always inspiring and they’re not very good for long term goal setting and planning.

DUMB (Dream driven, Uplifting, Method based, Behavior driven) goals offer a viable alternative to SMART goals, especially in the context of a New Year’s resolution.

Dream Driven

Who do you want to be by the end of next year (or by the end of your life)?
How do you want people to talk about you? How do you want to make them feel?

Uplifting

How do you want to feel when you achieve your dream or goal?
The subconscious mind is not so good at understanding negatives. For example, focusing on losing weight can often result in holding onto weight. Instead, try focusing on becoming radiantly healthy.

Method Based