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I’ve been tracking my OKR’s since 2014. Sometimes I accomplish what I set out for, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I accomplish what I put in OKRs but didn’t accomplish what I wanted.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

• There are usually four types of OKRs, and not differentiating types makes it really hard to get what you wanted
• Not only are there four, but they are roughly speaking prerequisites of each other.
• Not only that, but looking at all the self-help books I’ve read, it actually seems like most the books also fit into these four categories, and just reading them out of order makes no sense.

These categories are:

• Intent-building (actions that create action). Perhaps these are better known as “values”. When lost, you feel listless.
• Foundational stuff (actions that everyone needs to do to be “better”). Basic self care is here. When lost, you feel unhealthy and “stuck” even if you have good intent.
• Focus activities (the stuff you need to realize your specific vision of self). Family, job duties, social activities, etc are here. These “round out” an otherwise healthy person.
• Specialized activities (the stuff that really defines who you are). These are the things you are proud of. Resume-level or hobby-level things like “I love boxing” or “I love making cabinets”.

So my strategy going forward is to work from the bottom up. If I find a day where I can’t get anything done, I’ll at least work on intent. Maybe it seems obvious, but just focusing on what I want and planning a better tomorrow makes tomorrow much easier. And focusing on intent allows you to remember throughout the day to work on your goals. Lately, just taking a break from work during the day to move an inch forward is a huge help. For example 10 pullups between meetings.

Anyway, I will shortly analyze 3rd quarter, but for now, this idea of layering on improvements is something I’m noodling as I redefine what success looks like.