FOUNDATIONS · STEP 1 OF 2
Know Where You're Going
People with goals succeed because they know where they're going.
— Earl Nightingale
Here's the visual timeline system I've used with my family for years.
This Page Takes: 20 minutes
Why This Matters
Goals without timelines are just wishes. This system helps you design the life you actually want and create a clear path to get there.
Why Clear Goals Change Everything
Most people drift through life reacting to whatever happens. They work hard but don't have a clear destination. Goal-setting changes that — it gives you direction, purpose, and a way to measure progress.
This isn't just about financial goals. It's about designing the life you actually want across all areas — family, personal growth, health, relationships, skills, and finances.
Clear Direction
Know exactly what you're working towards and why it matters
Measurable Progress
Track achievements and celebrate wins along the journey
Shared Vision
Align with your partner and family on what you're building together
Adrian's Visual Timeline Method
I've refined this goal-setting system over many years, and it's become one of the most powerful tools my family uses. It's simple, visual, and turns abstract dreams into concrete plans.
The Core Principle: Multi-Year Quarterly Timeline
Instead of vague yearly resolutions, I use a printed timeline covering 6 years, divided into quarters. Each quarter becomes a target zone where specific goals can be achieved.
The beauty of this system is that you can see the big picture (where you're heading over multiple years) and the immediate actions (what needs to happen this quarter) on a single page.
Why This Works
Think Across All Life Areas
Take several days to think deeply about what really matters to you. Don't just focus on money — consider every dimension of a fulfilling life.
Your Defining Goal for 2026
Before listing all your goals, pick one defining achievement that will make this year memorable.
"2026 is the year I'm going to ____________________"
Examples: "take my family to Japan" • "learn Spanish" • "learn to play 10 songs on the guitar" • "build my business"
Family & Relationships
- •Quality time with your partner and kids
- •Family trips and celebrations
- •Deepening important relationships
- •Creating traditions and memories
Personal Skills & Growth
- •Learning new skills or languages
- •Professional certifications or courses
- •Hobbies and creative pursuits
- •Physical fitness and health goals
Spiritual & Purpose
- •Contributing to your community
- •Volunteering or charitable work
- •Spiritual practices and growth
- •Leaving a legacy or impact
Financial Position
- •Savings milestones and emergency funds
- •Investment targets and portfolio growth
- •Debt elimination and wealth building
- •Major purchases (property, renovations)
No Right or Wrong
Get the Visual Goals Timeline Template
Download the printable template Adrian uses with his family. Covers 6 years in quarterly view — simple, visual, and incredibly effective.
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How to Use the Timeline Template
Follow these steps to create your own multi-year goals timeline. This is a fun exercise to do by yourself, with your partner, or with the family.
Print the Template & Brainstorm Goals
Download and print the timeline template. You'll have a blank multi-year grid with quarters marked out.
Brainstorm your goals: Spend a few days thinking about what you want to achieve. Write each goal on a Post-it note — one goal per note. Don't filter, everything goes.
Consider all life areas: Family, skills, spiritual growth, health, finances, relationships, hobbies, travel — the whole picture.
Post-it Notes for Brainstorming
Empty timeline template ready for your goals
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Placing goals in realistic time frames
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Place Goals on the Timeline
Find a quiet space. Spread out all your Post-it note goals and start placing them on the timeline.
Ask for each goal: "When do I (or we) realistically want to achieve this?" Place it in the most suitable quarter.
- Big resource-heavy goals (buying property, major trip) go further out
- Quick wins (start a hobby, set up savings) go in the next few quarters
- Seasonal goals (family Christmas, summer vacation) get placed accordingly
This is where the magic happens: As you think through placement, you'll naturally refine ideas, see dependencies emerge, and create a realistic roadmap.
Break Down Big Goals Into Steps
Look at your bigger goals (the ones 2-3 years out). Ask: "What needs to happen before this to make it possible?"
Example: Say you have "Visit Japan" in Q3 2026. Work backwards:
- Q3 2026: Visit Japan
- Q2 2026: Book flights and accommodation
- Q4 2025: Research itinerary, apply for visas
- Q1-Q3 2025: Save $500/month consistently
- Q2 2025: Set up dedicated travel savings account
Suddenly, a big dream becomes a series of small, manageable steps. You see exactly what to do this quarter.
Breaking down ambitious goals into quarterly steps
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Making goals specific and measurable
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Make Goals Specific & Measurable
Vague goals like "lose weight" or "save more" don't work. You need numbers and deadlines.
Weight loss example: Instead of "lose 10kg," break it into quarterly targets:
- Q1: Weigh 91kg (down from 95kg)
- Q2: Weigh 89kg
- Q3: Weigh 87kg
- Q4: Weigh 85kg (goal reached!)
Investment example: "Make 1st investment of $5,000 in Q1 2025, 2nd investment of $5,000 in Q3 2025."
Now you can track progress clearly and celebrate wins along the way. This keeps motivation high.
Review Quarterly & Update Your Timeline
At the end of each quarter, review what you achieved:
- ✓ Which goals did you hit? Celebrate those wins!
- ✗ Which goals did you miss? Why? Do you need to adjust the timeline or approach?
- ➡️ Are any goals no longer relevant? Remove them without guilt
- 🆕 Do you have new goals to add? Place them on the timeline
This becomes your life's journey logbook. Years from now, you'll look back and see what you focused on, what you accomplished, and how far you've come. It's incredibly motivating.
Adrian's Habit
Weekly Check-in (10 minutes): Every Sunday morning with coffee, I review our family goals timeline. Quick check: "Are we on track this quarter?" It keeps us aligned and moving forwards together.
Quarterly Deep Review (30-60 minutes): At the end of each quarter, we sit down properly to celebrate wins, adjust timelines, remove what's no longer relevant, and add new goals that emerged.
A living document that grows with you
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Foundations - Goals: Complete
- The quarterly timeline method turns vague wishes into actionable quarterly milestones across all life areas.
- Breaking big goals into 90-day sprints makes them achievable and keeps you motivated with regular wins.
- Regular reviews (weekly check-ins + quarterly deep dives) keep you on track and aligned with what matters most.
Homework
What's one area of your life where you've been drifting without clear goals? How would having a visual timeline change your approach?
Download the Goals Timeline Template and spend 30 minutes mapping out your top 3-5 goals for the next 12 months. Place them on specific quarters. Share it with someone you trust for accountability.
What's Next?
25 minutes
Video Walkthrough (Optional)
Watch Adrian explain the timeline method and walk through a family goal-setting session.
Video Coming Soon
10-minute tutorial showing the complete process with real examples