How many of you have set out on a goal with an intense fire in your belly, only to stumble halfway and watch your enthusiasm fizzle out?
*Raises hand*
Been there, done that.
Until I discovered the world of OKRs – Objectives and Key Results.
OKRs are a system of goal-setting, a practical way to break down your big dreams into smaller, manageable tasks. This method of setting and achieving goals has helped me move closer to my aspirations, one step at a time.
And, OKRs aren't just for work or corporate goals. You can use them for personal development too. Want to improve your sleep quality? OKR it!
So, how did I make OKRs work for me? Here's my 5-step strategy:
1— Set Realistic and Relevant OKRs
Be ambitious, but also be sensible. Goals are no good if they're too lofty to reach. Tip: I usually allow myself a buffer; hitting 80% of an ambitious goal is still a massive success in my book!
2— Choose Appropriate Tools
This is where Sunsama came in. It's a daily planner that assists you in setting realistic daily goals, which lead you steadily towards your larger OKRs.
3— Set Key Results
For each objective, I outline 2-4 measurable outcomes. These need to be specific, quantifiable, and time-bound. These also go into my daily planner app, Sunsama so every task that I do aligns to an objective.
4— Align and Connect OKRs
This might sound corporate, but it works on a personal level too. Make sure your individual tasks align with your broader goals.
5 — Reflect & Learn
After each cycle, take time to celebrate your wins (big or small) and carry these learnings into the next OKR cycle.
As with anything, there were pitfalls to avoid when planning OKRs:
– Overloading with too many objectives and key results.
– Setting vague or immeasurable objectives and key results.
– Lack of alignment between individual/team OKRs and broader goals.
– Failure to prioritize and allocate resources effectively.
– Relying solely on top-down OKR setting without considering bottom-up contributions and insights.
– Using OKRs as a tool for micro-management rather than empowering individuals to take ownership of their goals.
Anyone else out there use OKRs or similar systems to stay focused on their goals? I'd love to hear about what tools you use (I use Sunsama), your experiences and tips.
