Some productivity systems offer gentle guidance, adapting to your natural rhythm. Others demand structure, a precise roadmap for every moment. Agile Results, created by J.D. Meier, falls firmly into the latter category – a rigorous system designed for those who thrive on clear direction and unwavering accountability.
At its core, Agile Results is about systematically planning and achieving goals across all timelines, from the immediate to the long-term. It’s a method built on the belief that even the most ambitious aspirations become attainable when broken down into manageable steps and consistently reviewed.
Meier describes Agile Results as a path to “meaning, momentum, and mastery.” This isn’t simply about getting more done; it’s about aligning your actions with your deepest values and experiencing a profound sense of accomplishment.
The foundation of the system lies in defining “wins” – goals framed as already achievable. Start with three annual “wins,” ambitious objectives designed to be realized within a year. These represent your biggest priorities, the projects that will define your success.
Next, establish quarterly goals that directly contribute to your annual “wins.” Follow this with monthly goals supporting the quarterly objectives, and then weekly goals that build towards the monthly targets. This cascading structure ensures every action is purposeful and aligned.
The process intensifies as you move closer to the present. Each Monday, define your weekly “wins.” Every morning, outline your daily “wins.” This creates a chain of daily building blocks, each contributing to larger, more significant achievements.
Initially, this level of detail can feel overwhelming. Set reminders – multiple on Mondays – to prompt you to define these smaller goals. Integrate this into your existing to-do list application, or utilize a dedicated planner or spreadsheet for optimal organization.
Don’t rush this crucial step. Dedicate focused time, using techniques like time blocking, to thoughtfully define each goal. A cloud-based spreadsheet offers accessibility and ease of updating, ensuring your plan is always within reach.
Specificity is paramount. Employ the SMART goal framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – to craft detailed, realistic assertions about what you intend to accomplish. This clarity will dramatically increase your chances of success.
However, planning is only half the battle. Agile Results demands consistent review. Each afternoon, reflect on your daily progress. Every Friday, assess your weekly “wins.” At the end of each month, evaluate your monthly goals.
Extend this review process to the end of the year, examining your progress towards your annual “wins.” This continuous feedback loop allows you to adapt, refine your strategies, and stay on course.
Meier suggests a simple yet powerful practice: each Friday, identify three things that went well and three areas for improvement. Borrowing from the military’s “after-action review,” analyze what worked and what didn’t to inform your future actions.
Equally important, acknowledge your successes. Documenting your achievements alongside areas for growth maintains motivation and reinforces positive momentum. This consistent reflection is the engine that drives continuous improvement.
Agile Results isn’t a quick fix; it’s a commitment to deliberate practice and unwavering self-assessment. It’s a system for those who crave structure, accountability, and the profound satisfaction of systematically achieving their most important goals.
