Using OKRs for Personal Goal Achievement (Not Just Companies)
OKRs transformed how Google and Intel operate. Now learn how to apply this powerful framework to your personal goals with KeyResults.
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) aren't just for Fortune 500 companies. This goal-setting framework, popularized by Google and detailed in John Doerr's "Measure What Matters", is incredibly powerful for personal goal achievement.
What Makes OKRs Different
Traditional goal-setting often fails because goals are either too vague ("get healthy") or too rigid (losing exactly 10 pounds becomes the only measure of success). OKRs solve this by separating the aspirational objective from the measurable key results.
An objective is qualitative and inspirational. It answers "where do I want to go?" A key result is quantitative and measurable. It answers "how will I know I'm getting there?"
A good objective should feel slightly uncomfortable—it should stretch you beyond your current capabilities.
The Personal OKR Formula
Start with 3-5 quarterly objectives. For each objective, define 2-4 key results. That's it. You now have a clear roadmap for the next 90 days.
KeyResults is built specifically around this framework. When you create a goal, you're defining an objective. Add key results underneath to make it measurable, and link your daily tasks to see how your work connects to bigger outcomes.
Marcus Sets His Q2 OKRs
Marcus wants to improve his fitness this quarter. Instead of a vague "get in shape" goal, he creates:
Objective: Become a stronger, more energetic version of myself
Key Results:
- Complete 36 strength training sessions (3x/week)
- Run a 5K in under 25 minutes
- Achieve 7+ hours of sleep on 80% of nights
Now he has clear targets and can track weekly progress in KeyResults.
Don't set more than 3-5 objectives per quarter. Focus beats volume every time.
The Weekly Check-In Ritual
OKRs fail without regular check-ins. Set aside 30 minutes each week to review your key results, update progress, and adjust course if needed.
"If you don't have a way to track your progress, you're just wishing." — John Doerr
The KeyResults weekly planning feature is designed for exactly this ritual. You can see which key results are on track, which are at risk, and which need to be adjusted.
Stretch Goals vs. Committed Goals
Google distinguishes between committed goals (must achieve) and stretch goals (amazing if achieved). Committed goals should have a 100% completion rate. Stretch goals are successful at 60-70% completion.
Label your objectives as "committed" or "stretch" in their description. This sets the right expectations and prevents discouragement when stretch goals land at 70%.
With KeyResults, you can tag goals by priority and type. Set ambitious stretch goals that excite you, but balance them with committed goals that build consistency.
Link Tasks to OKRs
Connect your daily work to meaningful goals with OKR tracking