Putting It All Together: Worked Examples
Let’s see how this framework applies to two common scenarios. Notice how the vague desire is systematically translated into a concrete, actionable plan focused on controllable inputs. This is the essence of making progress on your goals.
Example 1: The Career Pivot
Sarah is a marketing manager who feels unfulfilled and wants to become a user experience (UX) designer. Her initial goal is “Become a UX designer.” It’s a great vision, but it’s too big to act on.
Vision (The North Star): To work as a full-time UX Designer at a product-focused company where I can use my creativity to solve interesting problems.
Q1 Theme (The Objective): Sarah knows she needs foundational skills. Her theme is: “Complete a reputable UX fundamentals course and create my first case study for a portfolio.” This is ambitious but achievable in 90 days.
Week 4 Focus (The Key Results): Mid-quarter, her focus might be: “1. Finish the ‘User Research Methods’ module of the course. 2. Conduct three practice user interviews. 3. Write a summary of interview findings.” These are specific, measurable outcomes for the week.
Tuesday’s Action (The Input): To achieve that weekly focus, her daily action for Tuesday is simple and clear: “Watch two lessons on interview techniques after work (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and draft my interview questions.” She blocks this time in her calendar.
Measurement: Sarah doesn’t obsess over job listings (a lagging indicator). Instead, she tracks her leading indicators: Did she complete her scheduled study time? Did she conduct the interviews? She reviews this every Sunday. By focusing on the inputs, she builds skills and confidence, which is the most direct path to her vision.
Example 2: The Fitness Goal
Mark wants to “get healthy.” He’s in his 40s, feels sluggish, and his doctor has advised him to be more active. This goal is well-intentioned but dangerously vague.
Vision (The North Star): To have the energy to play with my kids without getting winded and to build a sustainable habit of physical fitness that I enjoy.
Q1 Theme (The Objective): Mark decides running is accessible. His theme is: “Establish a consistent running routine, completing a 5k distance without stopping by the end of the quarter.” This gives his vague “get healthy” goal a concrete target.
Week 6 Focus (The Key Results): He’s building his endurance. His weekly focus is: “1. Complete three runs following my training plan (e.g., Run 20 mins, walk 5). 2. Do one 20-minute strength training session for runners. 3. Go for one long walk on a rest day.”
Wednesday’s Action (The Input): Wednesday is a run day. His calendar has a block from 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM labeled: “Run Day 2: 20-minute run.” The decision is already made. He just has to put on his shoes and go.
Measurement: Mark was previously discouraged by the scale, a classic lagging indicator. Now, his primary metric for success is the completion of his scheduled activities. He uses an app to put a checkmark next to every completed workout. This input-based tracking keeps him motivated. He knows that if he keeps checking the boxes, the lagging indicators—like weight, endurance, and energy levels—will eventually follow. This is a far more sustainable approach to staying motivated with big goals related to health and fitness.
