This worksheet takes a big goal and turns it into a clear result, a few milestones, one first step and a date to check in. Copy the text into a notes app, print the page or write the questions in a notebook. It takes about ten minutes.
How to use it
Read all ten questions once before you start. Keep your answers short. One or two sentences each is plenty. For the thinking behind the questions, see how to break down big goals.
The worksheet
Copy the ten questions into a blank note, a document or an email to yourself, and write your answer under each one.
Goal breakdown worksheet
- The result.
What will exist or be true when you're done?
- Why it matters.
Why is this worth your time right now?
- Deadline.
Is there a real deadline? If not, leave it open.
- Milestones.
Name two to four checkpoints between now and the result.
- Tasks for milestone 1.
List two to four tasks, for the first milestone only.
- First step.
What's the smallest thing you can start today?
- Time and tools.
When will you work on this, and what do you need?
- Waiting on.
What or who do you need before you can move on?
- Likely problem and backup plan.
What might slow you down, and what will you do instead?
- Check-in date.
When will you look at this again?
A filled example
Here's how someone might fill it in while getting a portfolio website ready. It's a made-up example.
Filled worksheet
- The result.
A three-page portfolio website is live, with four finished projects and a way to get in touch.
- Why it matters.
I want freelance clients to find me before the new year.
- Deadline.
15 December, before people make their plans for next year.
- Milestones.
Project write-ups written and checked; site pages built; domain connected and contact form tested.
- Tasks for milestone 1.
Pick my four best past projects; write about 200 words on project 1, covering what I did and how it turned out; collect screenshots for each project.
- First step.
Open a blank document and write down the four projects.
- Time and tools.
Two 45-minute sessions, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, on my laptop.
- Waiting on.
A former colleague's feedback on the project write-ups.
- Likely problem and backup plan.
The write-ups take longer than I think. If so, I'll launch with three projects instead of four.
- Check-in date.
Sunday at 4pm.
Your answers stay with you
There's nothing to type into on this page. You copy the questions and keep your answers wherever you like: paper, a notes app, an email to yourself.
If you'd rather track goals in a chat, the companion goals tutorial shows how to do it with the Armored Kitten companion on Telegram. When you're ready to put the tasks on your calendar, read how to turn weekly goals into daily tasks.
