Setting Goals and Measuring Progress

This is more about what are my goals

Short-term vs. long-term goals

Let’s begin by categorizing goals into two buckets: short-term goals and long-term goals. Short-term goals are objectives that can be achieved within a few months to a maximum of six months, while long-term goals take a year or more to accomplish. I’m not here to explain the best way to set goals—there are plenty of blogs on that topic. However, I will emphasize that every goal should have a measurable metric and a clear end date.

I’ve adopted advice from the video From Side Project to Going Indie to structure my goal-setting process. For instance, I set quarterly goals for all aspects of my work. A recent example is: “Complete the iOS app version by the end of March.” To achieve this larger goal, I break it down into smaller, actionable steps. I use Jira to track these goals, not only for coding tasks but also for marketing objectives, ensuring a consistent approach across both domains.

While I make an effort to set and follow these goals, I often find myself creating new ones almost every week. I don’t see this as a problem; rather, I think it’s a sign that I could be more ambitious. Managing short-term goals requires a delicate balance, especially since I’m juggling a full-time job and a side project. The key is developing the discipline to regularly review and adjust goals. This habit helps me manage time effectively, even if achieving perfect balance remains elusive.

Long-term goals, on the other hand, allow for broader aspirations and dreams. For example, my main long-term goal this year is to complete the budgeting app and earn $1,000 in revenue. Looking further ahead, by 2026, I aim to have three apps, each generating at least $10,000 annually. While it’s important to be ambitious, it’s equally critical to prepare for the possibility of falling short. If I give my best effort but don’t fully achieve a goal, I’ll still gain valuable lessons from the process.

I plan to review these long-term goals annually and adjust them as needed. Since I’m just starting this journey, I haven’t had the opportunity to revise any goals yet. My hope is that future adjustments will reflect positive progress—for instance, achieving financial sustainability for my projects sooner than expected.

Ultimately, setting goals is just the first step. The real work lies in acting on them and consistently reviewing them, even if it’s just to keep them top of mind. This practice ensures that I’m constantly taking steps, however small, toward achieving my ambitions.

How Money Map is doing

I’m currently working on an app called Money Map, which you can download here: Money Map.

This week, progress has been similar to last week, with little change in downloads or revenue. My focus has been entirely on the iOS version, and I’m pleased to report that it’s on track. I’ve been hitting my quarterly goals, and the app is shaping up well for a release by the end of February. Things are looking promising!

Quote for this week

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3