CJ Dumeni: Setting Goals The Right Way
#TheDrive with Skrypt: The year is still relatively fresh and the resolutions are likely to be in full swing. The office is organised, the calendars are neat and the enthusiasm is through the roof. That is great but it’s almost a given so early into the year. Every year, the goals I set slowly fade into the abyss as I neglect them one by one. I came across the most counterintuitive way to set goals and follow through by CJ Dumeni. CJ is an award winning marketing specialist and tech entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in Marketing & Technology in Africa.
I’m not sure if he set these goals out in the beginning but he’s got quite the CV. Co-founded RFC Clothing at 18, co-founded Chommie.co, introduced innovative solutions like Namibia’s first food ordering app in Chommie Bites and has now launched The Copy Group; a copy-driven marketing company helping PR and ghostwriting agencies access world class South African copywriters. A man who knows a thing a two about goals.
CJ’s LinkedIn drew all my attention, this is what he had to say:
January: I set new goals for 2025.
February: I scrapped them all.
March: I’m focused on one thing.
I realized that most people (including me) set goals the wrong way.
Here’s where we go wrong:
“Setting goals based on outcomes we can’t fully control”
“Chasing external validation instead of internal progress”
“Focusing on the end result instead of the process”
But the biggest mistake in goal setting?
Focusing on the outcome instead of your input.
The truth is, you can’t directly control results, but you can control your actions.
That’s why I’ve completely shifted my approach.
In March, I’m only tracking input-driven goals, the actions that move the needle, not just the final destination.
Want to get in shape? Don’t set a goal for a six-pack. Commit to 200 gym sessions.
Want to build a personal brand? Don’t chase followers. Commit to posting 100 times.
Want to grow your business? Don’t focus on a revenue target. Double the number of clients you talk to weekly.
Because if you consistently hit your inputs, the outcomes take care of themselves.
And even if the result isn’t exactly what you desired, at least you’re a much better version of the person you were when you started.
The kind of goals I know I can achieve.
It’s safe to say the proof is in the pudding. If I’ve taken anything from CJ Dumeni it’s that even the biggest of goals can be simplified.
Be sure to check out the LinkedIn guru’s page for regular updates on how to level up.