# OMG: outcome, milestones, groundwork

> Define the measurable outcome first, choose milestones that prove movement toward it, and only then decide the groundwork that can cause those milestones.

By Vivek Jade · Frameworks · published 2026-09-01

Canonical page: https://thethinkingtortoise.com/article/omg-framework/

## Key takeaways

- The outcome is the external result, not the volume of work produced.
- Milestones must be smaller measurable results that demonstrate progress toward the outcome.
- Posts, meetings, research and campaigns are groundwork, not milestones.

## The article

Teams routinely confuse work with progress. A long task list can feel productive even when nothing important has changed.

I use a simple hierarchy: **Outcome, Milestones, Groundwork.**

## O: Outcome

State the external result you want in measurable terms. It should describe what will be different, not what you plan to do.

## M: Milestones

Milestones are smaller external results that prove you are getting closer to the outcome. They should be countable or observable.

## G: Groundwork

Groundwork is the work you do to cause the milestones: research, posts, calls, product changes, campaigns, meetings and experiments.

If a milestone can be completed without moving the outcome, it is probably groundwork wearing a better title.