Don't Set SMART Goals. Set DUMB Ones
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In my opinion the SMART goal setting model gets way too much attention.
If you have missed it, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound. There are also a number variations on this as well such as adding ER to the end of it but it is essentially the same thing.
The thing I like about SMART goals is they create clarity and can help track progress.
But the thing I despise about them is they are so fucking boring and rigid.
Talk about taking something fun and inspiring and making it boring.
Endurance sport is also unpredictable. Training, racing and performance are shaped by weather, terrain, illness, fatigue, stress, recovery and the simple fact that humans do not adapt on a linear schedule.
A rigid, outcome-based goal can fall to pieces real fast.
This is why I really like the concept of DUMB goals.
DUMB stands for: Dream based, Unlimited, Motivational, Behaviour-based.
D: Dream based. Aim beyond what feels comfortable.
A dream based goal creates a vision that pulls you forward.
Compare these two:
SMART: "I want to improve my time trial by 1 min 32 sec by such and such date."
DUMB: "I want to become the kind of athlete who competes with the best in my sport."
The DUMB goal is not about ignoring reality.
It is about setting a direction that shapes your daily decisions. Many of the best performances in endurance sport came from athletes who first imagined doing something that seemed out of reach.
U: Unlimited. Remove the ceiling on what you think is possible.
SMART goals are built around what seems achievable right now. While that is useful for planning, it can also limit your thinking before you even start.
An unlimited goal sounds like: "I want to complete (big scary race) despite having never done anything like it before."
It forces us to ask better questions:
What training habits would that require?
What weaknesses do I need to fix?
What support do I need?
The goal becomes a compass, not just a prediction.
M: Motivational. Make it meaningful.
Endurance training involves a lot of repetitive work. There will be days when your motivation is low, the weather is bad and progress feels slow. So, understanding the deeper meaning behind your goal is important.
Ask yourself:
Why does this matter to me?
What would achieving it represent?
What am I willing to sacrifice for it?
A goal that connects to something real will carry you further than one that just looks ‘SMART’ on paper.
B: Behaviour based. Control what you can.
You cannot control your race results, your competitors or whether you have the good race day or not. But you can control:
Score an A on your key sessions each week - (Read more about training quality grade here)
Getting consistent sleep and good nutrition
Doing your strength and mobility work
The best athletes do not just chase outcomes. They build the behaviours that lead to them and then chase them every day.
Use both. SMART and DUMB work together.
SMART goals are excellent for short-term targets and measuring progress. DUMB goals create ambition and long-term direction.
An athlete might have a DUMB goal of:
"Become one of the best in my age group"
or
"Complete an epic endurance event for the first time."
Then pair these with SMART process goals such as:
"Complete 90% of planned sessions over the next 12 weeks"
or
"Strength train twice a week through this winter block."
Your dream creates the destination and your behaviours build the path.
Your goals should not just tell you what you want to achieve. They should shape the athlete you need to become to get there.
Download your FREE DUMB goal setting worksheet below to help you set your goals for your next challenge.
If you want support to perform at your best, check out these training resources or book a consultation today.
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