Putting It All Together: Worked Examples
Theory is great, but seeing the smart goals formula for success in action makes it real. Let’s walk through two detailed scenarios to see how this system works from vision to daily action.
Example 1: The Career Pivot
Vision: To transition from my current role in digital marketing to a fulfilling career as a User Experience (UX) Designer within 18 months, enabling more creative work and long-term financial growth.
Quarter 1 Theme (Objective): Build a foundational understanding of UX principles and create a portfolio with one compelling project.
This objective is ambitious but achievable for a 90-day period. It’s directly relevant to the long-term vision. Now, let’s make it measurable with Key Results.
Key Results (Lagging Indicators/Output Goals):
1. Achieve a certificate of completion from an accredited online UX fundamentals course.
2. Design, document, and publish one complete case study for a fictional mobile app to my online portfolio.
3. Conduct at least 10 user feedback interviews to inform the project design.
These results are specific and measurable. Now, we need a weekly plan focused on the inputs that will lead to these outcomes.
Weekly Focus (Leading Indicators/Input Goals):
Each week, the focus would be on a set of repeatable actions. For a typical week, this might look like:
– Complete two modules of the online UX course (approx. 4-5 hours of video/reading).
– Dedicate three 90-minute “deep work” blocks to the portfolio project.
– Reach out to five people to schedule user feedback interviews.
Daily Actions (The Ground-Level Plan):
This is where the plan hits the calendar. A Tuesday in this person’s week might include: A time block from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM labeled “UX Project: Wireframing.” A task on the to-do list might be “During lunch break: Watch one 20-minute video from course Module 3.” The weekly review would check if these input goals were met, regardless of how “finished” the project feels. This steady, consistent effort is what will lead to a completed case study by the end of the quarter.
Example 2: The Fitness Goal
Vision: To build a sustainable, active lifestyle that gives me more energy for my family and allows me to confidently complete a half marathon.
Quarter 1 Theme (Objective): Build a consistent running base to be able to run a 10k without stopping.
This is a perfect stepping stone toward the larger half marathon vision. It’s a focused, 90-day challenge.
Key Results (Lagging Indicators/Output Goals):
1. Run three times per week for 12 consecutive weeks.
2. Increase the weekly long run distance to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) by the end of the quarter.
3. Complete one full 10k run without stopping in the final week.
Weekly Focus (Leading Indicators/Input Goals):
The focus here is purely on executing the training plan. The goal isn’t to be fast; it’s to be consistent. For an early week in the plan:
– Complete a 30-minute run on Tuesday.
– Complete a 30-minute run on Thursday.
– Complete a 45-minute long run on Saturday.
– Do two 20-minute strength training sessions on non-running days.
Daily Actions (The Ground-Level Plan):
The success of this goal depends on removing friction. Daily actions would be things like: “Lay out running clothes the night before every scheduled run.” “Schedule all three runs in the calendar as appointments.” “Pack a gym bag on Monday night for Tuesday morning’s strength session.” The weekly review isn’t about pace or mileage; it’s a simple yes/no: Did I complete the scheduled sessions? By focusing on the input—showing up—the output of running a 10k becomes a natural consequence of the system.
