Goals and milestones
A goal is the outcome. Milestones are the checkpoints on the way. Progress is calculated from the milestones you have ticked, never entered by hand.
Because progress is derived, it cannot be wrong. If a goal says 40%, two of its five milestones are done, and there is no way to make it say anything else.
A goal with no milestones and no open tasks under it is a wish rather than a plan, and the planning part of your score treats it that way.
How to do it
- Create the goal with the outcome as the title, not the activity. "Launch the new pricing page", not "work on pricing".
- Add three to six milestones. Fewer than three usually means the goal is really a task.
- Give the goal a target date. A goal with no date never becomes urgent.
Where to find this
The screens this topic describes.
Questions
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What is the difference between a milestone and a task?
A milestone is a checkpoint you would tell somebody about. A task is a thing you sit down and do. Milestones measure progress; tasks are how you spend Tuesday.
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What happens when I delete a goal?
It goes to the Archive along with its milestones and tasks, and you can put it back for 30 days. After that it is removed for good.
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Can I reopen a goal I marked done?
Yes. Change its status back to active from the goal page. Nothing is lost when a goal is marked done.