Overcoming the Challenges of Owning Your OKRs: A Personal Journey

Let’s be real—sometimes it’s hard to take full ownership of our OKRs. Whether it’s the daily grind of meetings, firefights, or just another item on our to-do list, it can feel like just another challenge. But it’s important to recognize that the primary purpose of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) is to guide and support us, not to weigh us down. Let’s explore how I’m working to improve, and share tips on staying on track with your goals.

Breaking Down OKRs

One of the challenges I’ve faced is the sheer magnitude of my OKRs. Huge objectives can be overwhelming, making it difficult to make a real impact. To address this, I’ve started breaking down my OKRs into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on one overwhelming goal, I now list out the actionable steps that will help me achieve my objective. This not only makes it easier to tackle, but also provides a clear roadmap for success.

Here’s an example: if my objective is to increase website traffic by 20% in Q4, my key results could include:

Host 3 social media live sessions to attract new followers. Develop 5 high-quality blog posts in the next month. Campaign 4 email marketing campaigns to engage with existing subscribers.

Breaking down my OKRs into these smaller tasks has made them more achievable and less daunting.

Setting Aside Time for Reviews

Another challenge is often finding the time to review and stay on track with my objectives. To combat this, I’ve set aside 10 minutes at the start of each week to review my progress. This daily reflection has not only helped me stay accountable but has also given me the opportunity to identify any roadblocks or areas where I need to double down on efforts.

Here’s how I do it:

Take 10 minutes each Sunday morning to sit down and review the progress I’ve made during the past week. Mind map out the goals I want to achieve in the upcoming week. Identify any gaps or challenges that need to be addressed. Adjust my action plan as needed to stay on track.

Regularly checking in and making adjustments helps me stay focused and ensures that I’m making progress towards my objectives.

Accountability Buddy

Ensuring that I stay on track with my goals can sometimes feel like a solo journey. To combat this, I’ve found an accountability buddy who checks in with me regularly. Having someone to share my progress and challenges with has been incredibly beneficial. They help keep me motivated and provide additional support when I need it.

Here are the steps I’ve taken to find my accountability buddy:

Identified a coworker or friend who is also working towards clear objectives. Agreed to schedule bi-weekly check-ins to discuss progress and challenges. Shared specific goals and objectives to ensure we’re working towards common goals. Provided each other with real-time feedback and encouraged each other to stay on track.

Having a buddy to share my journey with has not only helped me stay committed but has also provided a sense of community and support.

Why Do Goals Feel Unattainable?

For many of us, the struggle to stay on track with our goals can be attributed to a variety of factors. Here are some common challenges that may be holding you back:

Overwhelm: Large objectives can be intimidating. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to make them more achievable. Lack of Time: Finding the time to review and stay on track can be challenging. Set a fixed time each week to ensure accountability. Distractions: External factors like meetings and emergencies can disrupt your focus. Consider finding an accountability buddy to help keep you on track. No Support: Sometimes, we need that extra push or encouragement. Build a support system or find a buddy to stay committed.

By addressing these challenges and implementing the strategies mentioned above, you can take full ownership of your OKRs and move closer to achieving your goals.

Conclusion

Ownership of our OKRs is a journey, and it can be challenging at times. By breaking down our objectives, setting aside time for reviews, and finding an accountability buddy, we can stay on track and achieve our goals. Let’s share and learn from each other’s experiences to overcome these challenges and reach new heights.