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Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

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Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#11
post #9

First off, I like the exercise. I think it’s healthy as a form of journaling and more people should be introspective in this way. But I’d like to ask what problem is this trying to solve? In a large org, the OKRs are driving alignment and accountability. But for an individual, i think the bigger challenge is motivation, discipline, dedication, commitment. So what I mean is, I don’t think individuals have a problem kn…

> But for an individual, i think the bigger challenge is motivation, discipline, dedication, commitment.

I definitely agree with the above.

I found my way around this by doing weekly check-ins where I report on progress and accordingly formulate strategies for achieving said goals. Those reports are meant for no one but me, but they allow me to:

a) Measure my progress

b) See what's working and what's not

c) Most importantly, hold myself accountable

Such reports are a version of looking myself in the mirror and talking about the week that was, my habits, and the progress (or lack thereof) I made. Furthermore, at least for me, the mere act of writing allows me to crystallize my thoughts on a topic, lends clarity and ultimately provides an infusion of motivation to keep working toward my goals.

Of course, what works for me might not work for someone else, and we all need a different framework based on our individuality, but I hope I was able to add to your point surrounding accountability.

edit: Formatting

Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#13
post #9

First off, I like the exercise. I think it’s healthy as a form of journaling and more people should be introspective in this way. But I’d like to ask what problem is this trying to solve? In a large org, the OKRs are driving alignment and accountability. But for an individual, i think the bigger challenge is motivation, discipline, dedication, commitment. So what I mean is, I don’t think individuals have a problem kn…

It's just a variation on stuff like "making SMART goals". It's a framework for breaking down your goal into identifiable steps and finding ways to check your progress early, instead of saying "this year I'll lose weight" and checking back on December 30.

Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#14
post #9

First off, I like the exercise. I think it’s healthy as a form of journaling and more people should be introspective in this way. But I’d like to ask what problem is this trying to solve? In a large org, the OKRs are driving alignment and accountability. But for an individual, i think the bigger challenge is motivation, discipline, dedication, commitment. So what I mean is, I don’t think individuals have a problem kn…

That last statement is crucial.

I was surprised to see how in-depth and detailed these objectives are. Not to knock the author, mind you; the dedication to breaking these things into granular tasks is impressive. Rather, I feel that there's little room for flexibility in taking an OKR approach to personal development.

Case in point, I had a personal objective to do more service in the community in 2020. The way I had envisioned the key results was more volunteering, more interactions with people, more things like spending weekends working on a Habitat for Humanity house or something of the like. The pandemic really disincentivized those kinds of in-person activities for the sake of the community, so I pivoted to identifying more causes I could donate to or provide help to in remote ways. It was hard, no doubt, and I was still disappointed that I didn't get to do the former things, but considering the circumstances it _feels_ like my original objective was achieved. The takeaway is that I think personal objectives that leave little room for flexibility are fighting an uphill battle from the start.

Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#17
This is how I've decided to do my goals for the year. I split mine into 4 categories: personal, professional, physical, and reading. And then do monthly goals for each and track what I do per day. I don't have to do something in each category every day or even have to do anything any day. It's just helpful for me to see if I am slacking in an area over a stretch of days. The idea is to keep the goals fairly easy to accomplish and not plan more than a month out so I can pivot.

Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#18

This is how I've decided to do my goals for the year. I split mine into 4 categories: personal, professional, physical, and reading. And then do monthly goals for each and track what I do per day. I don't have to do something in each category every day or even have to do anything any day. It's just helpful for me to see if I am slacking in an area over a stretch of days. The idea is to keep the goals fairly easy to a…

Any reason you have reading as a separate category? Cant it be merged into the personal and professional categories?

Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#19

What is your morning workout routine?

It includes:

- 50 jumping jacks [3 sets]

- 25 knee-highs [3 sets]

- 30 mountain climbers [2 sets]

- 25 pushups

- 1 minute plank

I stopped doing it after I was able to meet my weight loss milestone, need to restart.

Re: Setting up personal OKR (objectives and key-results)

#20

This is how I've decided to do my goals for the year. I split mine into 4 categories: personal, professional, physical, and reading. And then do monthly goals for each and track what I do per day. I don't have to do something in each category every day or even have to do anything any day. It's just helpful for me to see if I am slacking in an area over a stretch of days. The idea is to keep the goals fairly easy to a…

Any reason you have reading as a separate category? Cant it be merged into the personal and professional categories?

Its an area that I've neglected a lot in my adult life. I started off the year saying I am going to at least read one book (any book) per month. Currently reading One World by Wendell Willkie FWIW. I don't mind if there is cross-over and if there is that's even better! All about easy goals and progress.
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