Skip to content

Goal Quote by Charles Duhigg

“The reason why we need both stretch goals and SMART goals is that audaciousness, on its own, can be terrifying. It’s often not clear how to start on a stretch goal. And so, for a stretch goal to become more than just an aspiration, we need a disciplined mindset to show us how to turn a far-off…” quote by Charles Duhigg
Download Open image
““The reason why we need both stretch goals and SMART goals is that audaciousness, on its own, can be terrifying. It’s often not clear how to start on a stretch goal. And so, for a stretch goal to become more than just an aspiration, we need a disciplined mindset to show us how to turn a far-off objective into a series of realistic short-term aims.””

Charles Duhigg

About This Quote

Source Book: Atomic Habits, 2018 (paraphrased)

Stretch goals need SMART steps; audacity alone is scary, disciplined planning makes them achievable.

In simple terms: Combine big dreams with concrete, short‑term plans.

Key Takeaway

Break big goals into realistic steps.

Themes

goal‑setting discipline growth

Mood

motivational pragmatic

Type

strategic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • startup launches
  • personal development

Key Concepts

SMART framework psychology productivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you stay adaptable while following SMART steps?
  • What’s the right balance between ambition and practicality?
A Different Perspective

Over‑planning can stifle flexibility and creativity.

2.3 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Charles Duhigg

Explore all 293 Charles Duhigg quotes

More Goal quotes

Browse all 9,891 Goal quotes