As the New Year begins, the ritual is very well known: set resolutions and outline goals. We envision healthy life living, career advancement, and personal growth. But how often do we drop these resolutions the moment January fades into February? Over these years, I have shared how one should set goals using the SMART framework and track those goals through KPIs. And though serving well, at times it seems inorganic for life’s big dreams.

Recently, I came across a technique that clicked deep inside my brain: DUMB goals. The name may sound belittling at first sight, but it is anything but. That acronym is short for Dream-driven, Uplifting, Method-friendly, and Behavior-triggered. This is not just setting goals but aligning them with your aspirations, passions, and day-to-day actions. Let’s see how this philosophy will revolutionize your year.

D – Dream-driven: Focused on Your Biggest Dreams

“Dream big. Start small. Act now.” – Robin Sharma, motivational guru from Canada and an international bestseller of books: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.

The idea behind DUMB goals is rooted in fearless dreaming. Unlike the constricted specificity of SMART, DUMB invites expansive thinking: What would you pursue if anything were possible? Your dreams, big as they may be, are a valid starting place.

Take the example of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s “Missile Man” and ex-President of India, born in a middle-class family in Rameswaram. He had a dream to help the space and defense programs of India. This dream brought him to ISRO, where he played an important role in launching satellites and missiles. His journey was not without its ups and downs and was not predictable, but his belief in his dream made him move ahead.

Take a moment to name the wildest dream you have for 2025: starting a business, running a marathon, writing a book. Write it, let it motivate you, and embrace the audacity.

U – Uplifting: Inspire and Mobilize You to Act

“People do not decide their futures; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures.” – F.M. Alexander, Scottish actor and educator.

A goal devoid of emotional appeal is bound to fail. DUMB goals are meant to elevate—to get you jazzed up enough that you can leap out of bed to tackle the new day. If your aims are congruent with the deepest urges within you, motivation comes along for the ride as a matter of course.

I recently met a young entrepreneur who shared her story. She wanted to create a sustainable fashion line. It wasn’t about the money; it was about empowering artisans and promoting eco-friendly practices. The thought of contributing to a greener planet and supporting communities kept her energized, even during challenging times. Today, her brand has a loyal following and stands as a testament to her passion.

If your goals do not excite you, revisit them. Ask yourself, “Does this goal align with my passions and values?” When you’re emotionally invested, the journey becomes as fulfilling as the destination.

M – Method-friendly: Have a Clear Path to Achieve Them

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier, American author.

Dreams without a roadmap tend to be overwhelming. DUMB goals allow that it’s about bringing important steps into being; that method needn’t be complex, it’s only got to break a possibly long journey into shorter stages that one can visualize.

A parable from Panchatantra drives home the point with elan. Some birds entrapped in a hunter’s net devised a plan of flying together in unison, thereby lifting the net with all their might. Lo, the birds were flying high outside the snare without any magic being used in the process, purely methodical.

Your goals need a method also. For instance, suppose your dream is to run marathons. Every day, you run one kilometer, increasing with time the distance covered until you feel ready for, say, five kilometers nonstop. Find yourself a coach, join a running group, and schedule once-a-week runs. Obvious, even the daunting dream of a goal then can be achieved.

B – Behavior-triggered: Create Habits That Drive Growth

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle.

The final pillar of DUMB goals is behavioral in focus. It’s the small, consistent actions that create lasting change. Other than being outcome-focused, this asks: “What habits will lead to success?”

Take Mahatma Gandhi, for instance. The man did not just wake up one day as an international icon of nonviolence. He institutionalized daily habits of praying, spinning khadi, and being among people that reflected his greater vision for freedom and self-sufficiency. His behavior gave life to his legacy.

If your dream is to write a novel, commit to writing 500 words every day. If you want to have a healthier life, begin with a habit of drinking more water or walking 10,000 steps. Connecting their goals with some kind of action ensures progress.

DUMB Goals: Indian and International Perspectives

From culture to culture, the power of dreams and habits stands out. From the determination of Ratan Tata, who transformed Tata Motors with his visionary leadership, to Oprah Winfrey, who took her hardships and turned them into one of the world’s most influential media empires, the principles of DUMB goals are everywhere.

The inspiration for the Tata Nano came from Ratan Tata’s dream to create the most inexpensive car in the world; he wanted to serve common Indians. Oprah’s dream of empowering others inspired her to build a media empire that continues to uplift millions. Their journeys were driven by dreams, uplifting vision, methodical approach, and consistent behaviors.

Bringing It All Together

Get into the New Year by trying the DUMB goal framework. Let your aspirations be driven by dreams, your journey uplifting, your methods crystal clear, and your habits aligned. This isn’t about being “smarter” with your goals, but truer to yourself.

And to leave you with, here’s a quote to carry into the year ahead:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

Dare to dream big, stay inspired, plan wisely, and act consistently. This coming year holds lots of endless possibilities—let DUMB goals guide you in turning those into reality. Happy New Year!

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani), 
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others. 

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