Goal Setting and Tracking Framework

I’ve been using a framework for goal setting and tracking for some time now. I believe this framework, which involves writing down and following up on goals, has great potential in terms of clarity and simplicity. There are already dozens of frameworks and boilerplates for goal setting and habit management, but none of them stuck with me. Even though they were good, I never felt like I was setting a clear stage and moving forward from there.

So, I’ve created a simple yet effective set of guidelines to help you define your current situation, explore options, and create an action plan. Combining this framework with “retrospectives” should work—at least that’s my assumption.

A retrospective is essentially looking back at the previous day, week, or month to evaluate what worked well and what didn’t. Take notes on them and try to avoid repeating mistakes in the next cycle.

Here’s a boilerplate you can easily create in Markdown, Word, or even Notepad.

## Objective

Clearly state the goal you want to achieve and the time frame in which you aim to accomplish it. Be specific and measurable.

**Example**:

"I want to improve my physical fitness by losing 5kg within 3 months."

## Current State

Describe your current situation and where you are starting from. This section provides a baseline for measuring progress. Be honest and detailed about your strengths and weaknesses.

**Example**:

- "I currently exercise irregularly and lack consistency in my fitness routine."
- "My eating habits are inconsistent, with a high intake of processed foods."
- "I have not yet explored workout programs or developed a clear plan."

## Proposal

Outline the strategies and possible solutions you can pursue to achieve your objective. Break it down into actionable categories.

### Start to Exercise

- **Details of the Exercise Program**:
    
    Identify specific activities and routines that align with your goal. For example:
    
    - **Program Type**: A mix of strength training and aerobic exercises.
    - **Frequency**: Work out 4-5 times a week, alternating between cardio and strength sessions.
- **Program Options**:
    
    Research or list potential programs that can help achieve your objective. For example:
    
    - **Beginner Home Workout Plan**: Focus on bodyweight exercises (e.g., squats, push-ups, planks).
    - **Guided Classes**: Online platforms like YouTube (e.g., fitness influencers or programs like Chloe Ting, Joe Wicks).

### Start Reading Books About It

- **Book List**:
    
    Choose books that provide knowledge and motivation for achieving your goal. Example list:
    
    - *The 4-Hour Body* by Tim Ferriss
    - *Atomic Habits* by James Clear
- **Reading Plan**:
    
    Plan when, how, and where you'll read these books:
    
    - **When**: Every morning after breakfast for 30 minutes.
    - **Where**: In a quiet space like the living room or study.
    - **How**: Use a notebook to jot down key insights or actionable tips.

## Implementation

Create a clear and actionable implementation plan that details what steps you will take daily, weekly, and monthly to achieve your objective. Use this as a checklist to maintain accountability and momentum.

| **Daily** | **Weekly** | **Monthly** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Minimum 30 minutes of reading. | Write a summary or blog post about progress. | Reflect on overall progress. |
| Track progress in a journal. | Review weekly actions and adjust as needed. | Refine plans and set new milestones. |
| 10 minutes of stretching. | Organize insights from books or exercises. | Measure key metrics like weight loss. |

## Reflection and Feedback

After completing the goal or reaching a significant milestone, take time to reflect on the process:

- **What worked well?**
- **What could be improved?**
- **What did you learn?**

You can obviously modify this template to suit your needs. Everyone is different, and generally, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Once you’ve defined the current state, objective, and possible solutions, the next step is to create an action plan and execute it. After you begin implementing, I recommend using “retrospectives” to reflect on the process. Simply sit down with a piece of paper and write about your experience—what went well, what didn’t, and how you can improve next time. For example, if you tried reading in the morning but found it difficult because you’re not a morning person and stay up late most nights, note that in your retrospective and adjust the action plan accordingly.

In my opinion, these types of documents should be live-documents. Actually, with a few exceptions, every document should be live and regularly refined. Our lives change rapidly, so should our processes and documents.

Here are a couple of examples to make things clearer regarding what to write in each section:# Goal Setting and Tracking Framework

Example 1: Mastering a Programming Language (e.g., Python)

Objective

“I want to become proficient in Python within 6 months by building projects, learning advanced concepts, and contributing to open-source.”

Current State

• “I have basic knowledge of Python and can write simple scripts.”
• “I struggle with advanced concepts like decorators, async programming, and testing.”
• “I have not worked on any significant projects in Python or contributed to open-source.”

Proposal

Learn Python Concepts

• Details: Focus on intermediate and advanced concepts, such as object-oriented programming, error handling, and async programming.
• Resources:
  • Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes
  • Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart
  • Online platforms like Real Python and Python.org tutorials

Build Python Projects

• Create a portfolio of projects like:
  • A To-Do app using Flask/Django
  • A web scraper for job listings
  • A personal finance tracker

Contribute to Open Source

• Join Python-based open-source projects on GitHub.
• Fix small bugs or improve documentation.

Implementation

Example 2: Learning Frontend Development

Objective

“I want to become skilled in frontend development using React.js within 4 months by building three small projects and one full-stack application.”

Current State

• “I have basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge.”
• “I’ve not used React.js before and don’t understand how state management works.”

Proposal

Learn React.js Basics

• Resources:
  • React official docs
  • The Complete React Developer Course on Udemy
  • JavaScript and React for Beginners by Wes Bos

Build Projects

• Small Projects:
  • A portfolio website
  • A weather app using a public API
  • A task tracker with state management

Learn State Management

• Explore Redux or React Context API.
• Build a shopping cart application to practice.

Implementation

Example 3: Improving Problem-Solving Skills

Objective

“I want to enhance my problem-solving skills in competitive programming within 3 months by solving 100 coding challenges on LeetCode.”

Current State

• “I struggle with medium-level problems and optimizing solutions.”
• “I’m not familiar with advanced data structures and algorithms.”

Proposal

Learn Data Structures and Algorithms

• Focus Areas:
  • Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs
  • Sorting, Searching, and Dynamic Programming
• Resources:
  • Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen (CLRS)
  • Online platforms: LeetCode, HackerRank, Codeforces

Practice Coding Challenges

• Solve coding problems daily, starting with easy problems and progressing to medium-level challenges.
• Take part in weekly coding contests to build confidence.

Implementation

Example 4: Learning Backend Development with Golang

Objective

“I want to learn backend development using Golang within 5 months by building APIs and deploying applications.”

Current State

• “I have no experience with backend frameworks or concepts like RESTful APIs and databases.”
• “I’ve never worked with Golang or deployed applications.”

Proposal

Learn Golang Basics

• Resources:
  • The Go Programming Language by Donovan and Kernighan
  • Online tutorials like Go.dev or Udemy

Build and Deploy Projects

• Small Projects:
  • A simple CRUD API with a database
  • A URL shortener service

Learn Deployment

• Deploy applications using Docker and cloud services like AWS or Heroku.

Implementation

Example 5: Learning DevOps Basics

Objective

“I want to gain foundational knowledge in DevOps and CI/CD tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins within 6 months.”

Current State

• “I understand version control and have basic Git skills.”
• “I have no experience with containerization or automated pipelines.”

Proposal

Learn DevOps Tools

• Resources:
  • Docker for Developers by Richard Bullington-McGuire
  • Kubernetes tutorials from Kelsey Hightower
  • Jenkins beginner courses on YouTube

Implement CI/CD Pipelines

• Create pipelines for simple projects using Jenkins.
• Learn to containerize applications with Docker.

Explore Infrastructure as Code

• Study Terraform basics and apply it to manage infrastructure.

Implementation