Doing the right thing Quote by Charles Duhigg
““Experiments have shown that people with SMART goals are more likely to seize on the easiest tasks, to become obsessed with finishing projects, and to freeze on priorities once a goal has been set. “You get into this mindset where crossing things off your to-do list becomes more important than asking yourself if you’re doing the right things,” said Latham.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear, 2018
People with SMART goals tend to focus on easy tasks, become project‑obsessed, and lock in priorities, sometimes neglecting whether those tasks are truly valuable.
In simple terms: SMART goals can cause tunnel vision on easy tasks.
Key Takeaway
Ensure goals align with true priorities.
Themes
goal setting
focus
productivity
Mood
motivated
cautious
Type
advisory
reflective
When to use this quote
- project management
- personal planning
- task prioritization
Key Concepts
SMART framework
priority alignment
Questions to Reflect On
- Are your goals driving meaningful outcomes?
- How can you balance task completion with strategic impact?
A Different Perspective
May ignore higher‑impact work in favor of easy wins.
![“[If] we can celebrate that in a way that celebrates our love for New England as well as our love for the Italian culture as well as the American culture, then we've done something that's really good and supporting these fishermen who are doing the right thing in sustainability . . . paying…” quote by Mario Batali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ea/mario-batali-4002_american-culture_if-we-can-celebrate-that-in-a-way-that-c_45806.jpg)