Using OKRs for Personal Goal Achievement (Not Just Companies)

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?"

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 in the system, you're defining an objective.

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.

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. ```