Methodology · version 1.0
A practical model, with its evidence and limits visible.
The Personal OS is a product framework created by myhacks. It is not a validated psychological scale. Its components draw on established work in goal setting, implementation intentions, habit formation and weekly review.
The model
The system is deliberately small. Every item should answer one of four questions: where are you going, what will finish next, what should repeat, and when will you review?
- 01
Direction
A limited set of outcomes for the current season.
- 02
Projects
Finite commitments with a finish line and next action.
- 03
Habits
Repeatable behaviors attached to a clear context.
- 04
Review
A weekly loop for clearing, learning and choosing.
Evidence map
We link to the underlying publication or official method. These sources support individual design choices, not the claim that the combined myhacks framework has been clinically validated.
Specific, challenging goals
Goal-setting research distinguishes a specific objective from a vague intention and emphasizes feedback as a moderator. We use that idea to give projects an observable finish line.
Locke & Latham, American Psychologist (2002)If–then plans
Implementation intentions specify when, where and how action will start. A meta-analysis synthesized 94 independent tests; myhacks applies the pattern to next actions and habit cues.
Gollwitzer & Sheeran (2006)Consistent context for habits
In a 12-week real-world study, repetition in a stable context was associated with increasing automaticity. Time varied widely, so we avoid the myth that every habit forms in 21 days.
Lally et al., European Journal of Social Psychology (2010)A weekly clearing cycle
The review layer is operationally influenced by Getting Things Done's recurring review: collect loose ends, update lists and get current before choosing forward actions.
GTD Weekly Review checklistDesign principles
Portable
Your method should survive a change of app. That is why the kit ships in Markdown, CSV and JSON.
Forgiving
A missed repetition is information, not failure. Recovery matters more than an ornamental streak.
Inspectable
Claims, revisions and limitations should be visible enough for a reader to challenge them.
Editorial policy
We separate product guidance from health advice, cite primary or official sources for material research claims, state uncertainty, and date substantive reviews. AI may assist drafting, but pages are not published automatically on first visit.