In the second half of 2017, I was struggling with setting up goals for myself. I had some objectives in mind and planned them at the beginning of each year, but then — as it probably happens to you —, I never looked at them again. Soon, I would forget that they exist until I try to set them up again. It was also hard to commit to something big and hard to measure like "be more healthy" or "improve my communication skills."
One time, I started to read more about the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and how some people used them as personal goal setting. Hence, I decided to give it a shot.
My transition to the way OKRs work was very smooth. And so it will for you.
It starts with 3 to 4 objectives that can be more, or less tangible and 3 to 5 key results per objective that help me to understand what steps I need to give towards the said objective.
I plan and analyze my OKRs per quarter, since it's easier to project them for the next three months, than for a year or a longer period. Here's an example:
Objective: be more healthy
Key results:
On top of setting up my OKRs every quarter, I make an effort to review the progress weekly or bi-weekly. It's essential to keep a close eye on them to understand where I stand at each moment and to learn from things that are not progressing
Today, I’m glad to share a very straightforward spreadsheet template that I use to track my personal OKRs. Feel free to create a copy and adapt it to your needs.
Key takeaways:
- OKRs can be a great framework for personal goal setting
- Choose 2 to 4 objectives wisely
- Per each objective pick 3 to 5 measurable key results
- Have a short timeline for them (less than one year)
- Review them frequently
- Learn and iterate from your mistakes
Made by Paulo Teixeira, a Product Manager based in Lisbon. Illustrations by icons8.com.