OKRs as personal goal setting method

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:

• Walk 10,000 steps every day
• Go to the gym three times per week
• Hire a personal trainer
• Reduce body fat by 10%

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