Which one of us wanted to build the project he was thinking of for years? whether it’s a project, a new skill, or a healthier life, or even all three. But too often, we feel we don’t have the time for it, and/or we just don’t know where to start. That’s why I created a simple but powerful system I call the Layered Goal Framework.

This method helps you break down any project into clear steps while making sure you commit the right amount of time each day.

The Core Idea

The cycle of time (1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or 1 month) you set:

• 1 Big Goal (your main achievement)
• 2 Middle Goals (the pillars that hold the big goal)
• 3 Small Goals (foundation steps that keep you moving forward)
• 1 self-growth goal (self-improvement) 

You choose the cycle based on the size of your project and the time you can realistically give each day. 

Time–Duration Scaling

Your daily time commitment depends on the length of your chosen cycle:

• 1 Year: ~1 hour/day
• 6 Months: ~2 hours/day
• 3 Months: ~2.5 hours/day
• 1 Month: ~3–4 hours/day

This balance ensures you don’t burn out on long-term projects, and you don’t undercommit for short-term pushes. It keeps it balanced and well structured.

Personalization formula

When deciding how much time to commit, factor in three elements:

Experience in the Field – Beginners usually need more time to learn, while seniors can move faster.

Your Work Schedule—A 9–5 job leaves less time than freelancing or part-time work.

Your Daily Energy Windows – It’s not just about time, but when you’re most productive. The time you feel your best. 

Example:

• Experience: Senior developer
• Job: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Free Time: 8–8:30 AM, and 9–10 PM
• Choice: 1 hour/day for 1 year (9–10 PM).

Example: Building an AI Project

Let’s say your big goal is

• Build an AI system in one year.

Your middle goal is:

• 1. Gather quality data.
• 2. Prepare and structure the codebase.

Your small goals could be:

• 1. Fix bugs in the code.
• 2. Learn missing skills or techniques you need.
• 3. Research and organize sources. For more accurate work. 

Your self-improvement small goal:

• Walk, or meditate. Choose the one that suites you. 

Now let’s apply the 1 hour/day for 1 year model:

• 30 minutes: Work directly on building the AI (coding, integrating, testing).
• 10 minutes: Focus on small supportive goals like meditation, walking, or clearing your mind (to keep energy high and reset). It could be at the start. Or the end of the session. 
• 10 minutes: Learn about AI concepts, tools, or resources you need for the project. To make the work easier. 
• 10 minutes: Gather data. 

That’s it. Just one hour a day for a year, and you’ll achieve your big goal.

Final Thoughts

The Layered Goal Framework is simple but powerful. It works because it respects your time, your daily energy, while pushing you to aim higher. Try it and you will see the changes yourself. 

All it takes is 1 big goal, 2 middle goals, 3 small goals, 1 small improvement, and the right amount of daily commitment.