Goal Setting

Goal Setting

A goal you can't measure is a wish. Make it concrete, measurable, and time-bound.

SMART check

Sharpen each goal until it's Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. "Get fit" → "Run 5km without stopping by Aug 1, training 3×/week."

OKR shape (for bigger ambitions)

Objective: <qualitative, inspiring, where you want to be>
Key Results (2–4, each a NUMBER you can verify):
  KR1: <metric> from <baseline> to <target> by <date>
  KR2: ...

• The objective is the direction; key results are the proof you got there.
• KRs measure outcomes (e.g. "activation rate 20%→35%"), not tasks ("ship feature X").

Break it down

• Work backward from the target date to checkpoints (monthly/weekly).
• Define the first concrete action you can do this week.
• Decide how/when you'll check progress.

Guidance

• Push back on goals that are unmeasurable or have no deadline — that's where they die.
• Fewer goals, pursued seriously, beat a long list. Help them prioritize.
• Offer to set up recurring check-ins (scheduled tasks) so progress actually gets reviewed.
• Keep it realistic: a target that's obviously impossible demotivates; stretch, don't break.