This guide will help you set meaningful goals and track your progress toward achieving them.
## Quick Start
Learn the basics in 5 minutes:
1. Choose your time horizon:
- Short-term (1-4 weeks) for experiments and habits
- Quarterly for balanced progress
- 5-year for major growth
- 20-year for life direction
2. Write your goal:
```
Name (Category): Description baseline:X goal:Y by when
```
3. Pick your category:
- [[Goal Categories|View all categories]]
- Most popular: Achievement, Physical Health, Relationships
4. Set your scores:
- Baseline: Where you are now (0-100)
- Goal: Where you want to be (at least 5 points higher)
[[Score System|Learn more about scoring]]
## Success Stories
Read how others have used this system:
### [[David's Story - Leading with Balance]]
David, a tech executive, balanced rapid career growth with being present for his family:
- Used quarterly goals to build better work boundaries
- Created morning routines for family time
- Set 5-year goals for both career and family leadership
[[David's Story - Leading with Balance|Read David's full story →]]
### [[Sarah's Story - Growth While Leading at Home]]
Sarah, a former management consultant, grew her skills while running a household:
- Used short-term goals to experiment with family systems
- Built a part-time consulting practice through quarterly goals
- Maintained professional development through targeted learning
[[Sarah's Story - Growth While Leading at Home|Read Sarah's full story →]]
### [[Sam's Story - Engineering with Purpose]]
Sam, a senior software engineer, aligned technical growth with social impact:
- Created experiments to test new technologies
- Built open source tools for nonprofits
- Balanced skill development with real-world impact
[[Sam's Story - Engineering with Purpose|Read Sam's full story →]]
### [[Maya's Story - Discovery and Excellence with Balance]]
Maya, a research scientist, found rhythm between intense work and recovery:
- Used short sprints for focused research
- Built in recovery periods for creativity
- Maintained long-term career development
[[Maya's Story - Discovery and Excellence with Balance|Read Maya's full story →]]
### [[James's Story - Art and Structure]]
James, a professional artist, balanced creative freedom with sustainable practice:
- Created systems for consistent output
- Built periods for pure experimentation
- Developed business skills alongside artistic growth
[[James's Story - Art and Structure|Read James's full story →]]
## Dive Deeper
- [[Scientific Evidence|Scientific Evidence|Research Behind the System]]
- [[WOOP Method|Setting Yourself Up for Success]]
- [[Habit Formation|Building Lasting Change]]
- [[Time Horizons|Choosing the Right Timeline]]
- [[Goal Categories|Understanding Categories]]
- [[Score System|Measuring Progress]]