Earlier this week, I told you I’m starting a challenge.

It’s called 100 Days of Progress.

More than 10 people replied saying they want to join, which I honestly didn’t expect. 🤩

Before we kick off on Monday, I want to show you the simple structure I'm using for setting goals and staying on track.

You can steal this framework (even if you don’t join the challenge).

1. Choose 1–7 goals for the next 100 days

For my own challenge, I chose seven things I want to move forward with before the end of the year.

You might choose one, three, or five goals.

The point is to keep the list small enough to actually get things done.

Make each goal specific enough so you’ll know whether you’ve reached it by the end of the challenge.

For example, "get fitter” is vague, but “work out 3x/week on average” gives you a clear finish line.

Also, choose goals you can largely influence yourself.

For example, “crossing 10,000 followers” depends on other people deciding to hit follow. But “sending 50 connection requests per week” is totally within your control.

2. Define each goal as a Deliverable or a Habit

I split the goals into two types.

A Deliverable is something you want to create or complete. This could be a personal website, a book draft, a new offer, or a nutrition plan.

A Habit is something you want to do consistently, like hitting the gym, publishing content, or getting enough sleep.

It’s a simple distinction, but a useful one.

3. Set a Minimum and an Optimum

I give every goal two finish lines.

The Minimum is a result I’d genuinely be happy with after 100 days.

The Optimum is what I’d love to achieve if things go really well.

For example, one of my goals is to get back to publishing consistently.

My Minimum: 20 LinkedIn posts + 5 newsletters.

My Optimum: 40 LinkedIn posts + 15 newsletters.

I deliberately set the Minimum low enough to create an early win, keep motivation high, and leave room for my other goals.

For this one, I also care more about the 100-day total target than hitting a fixed number every week.

4. Check in once a week

Every Sunday, I’ll spend 5–10 minutes reviewing my progress and answering just two questions:

What moved forward this week?

What are my most important actions for next week?

That’s enough to keep me aware of my progress without turning the whole challenge into a tracking monster.

5. Review the bigger picture on Days 25, 50, and 75

Every 25 days, I’ll zoom out a little further.

I look at what moved forward most, what I’ve learned, and what my priorities are for the next 25 days.

And that’s pretty much the whole system.

Hope this gave you a few ideas, Reader.

If you want to create your own 100 Days of Progress challenge, reply “I’m in”.

I’ll send you my Notion dashboard and provide some accountability along the way.

Dave

P.S.

The challenge starts on Monday, September 14.

So if there’s something you still want to make progress on this year, now’s the right time.

Just reply "I'm in" by the end of Sunday.