S.M.A.R.T. Goals (aka OKRs)

Introduction

S.M.A.R.T. goals, also known as OKRs, is a principle used by companies like Google, Amazon, and Intel to consistently achieve extraordinary results.

By setting objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, these organizations transform ambitious ideas into actionable plans. But this powerful framework isn’t just for businesses—it’s a tool you can use to create clarity and purpose in your personal life as well.

Too often, we set goals with the best of intentions, only to have them remain vague—"get healthier," "grow the business," or "be more productive." Without clear definitions of success, it’s difficult to track progress or know when you’ve truly achieved your goal.

In this article, we’ll explore how to turn your goals—whether personal or professional—into clear, actionable, and measurable outcomes, ensuring your efforts lead to meaningful progress.

Prerequisites

You'll resonate with this principle if you've had any of the following experiences:

• Feeling like you aren't able to achieve your goals.
• Difficulty recognizing and celebrating milestones.
• Success at work (hitting KPIs) but struggling with personal goals.

What Are S.M.A.R.T. Goals?

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym representing five key attributes of effective goals:

1. Specific
   Goals should be clear and precise, leaving no room for ambiguity. "Increase website traffic by 20%" is specific, whereas "Get more visitors" is vague.

2. Measurable
   Progress should be quantifiable, allowing you to track your efforts objectively. "Publish 10 articles this quarter" is measurable, while "Write more" is not.

3. Achievable
   Goals must be realistic, considering the available resources, time, and skills. "Acquire 5 new clients this month" is achievable, while "Get 100 new clients" may not be. Look at trends and historical data to make accurate estimates.

4. Relevant
   Goals should contribute meaningfully to what you care about, aligning with priorities and responsibilities. For example, a marketing team should focus on lead generation rather than irrelevant metrics like office expenses.

5. Time-bound
   Deadlines create urgency and prevent procrastination. "Complete the project by March 31st" ensures focus within a set timeframe.

Smart Goals are Actually OKRs

While S.M.A.R.T. goals provide a strong foundation to think about your goals, OKRs take them to the next level by clearly separating Why you want to pursue this (Objective) from What you want to achieve (Key Results).

This framework ensures you maintain a balance between setting ambitious, visionary goals and maintaining outcomes that nurture incremental progress.

Objective: A big-picture, qualitative goal that inspires and motivates.

Key Results: Quantitative, measurable indicators of progress. Each objective should have 3-5 key results that define what success looks like.

How to Apply OKRs to Life

Here are some practical ways to incorporate this principle into daily life:

1. Start with a Clear Objective

Define a goal that excites and inspires you. For personal goals, think about areas where you want to grow—fitness, relationships, finances, or skill-building.

“I want to improve my physical health and stamina.”

2. Identify Key Results

Break the objective into 3–5 measurable outcomes that define success.

Examples:

• "Run a 5K in under 30 minutes within three months."
• "Exercise five times per week consistently."
• "Lose 10 pounds by the end of the quarter."

3. Check Alignment with S.M.A.R.T. Principles

Ensure key results are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

"Lose 10 pounds by the end of the quarter" meets all criteria:

• Specific (weight)
• Measurable (10 lbs.)
• Achievable (not overreaching)
• Relevant (to health)
• Time-bound (end of quarter)

4. Track Progress Regularly

Schedule regular reviews—weekly or monthly—to evaluate your progress.

• Consider Partial Success: Achieving approximately 60–70% of your key results is often considered a success. This encourages setting ambitious goals.
• Evaluate Impact: Use reviews to assess whether the tasks you’re working on are contributing meaningfully to your key results. Adjust as needed.

5. Celebrate Wins

Recognize milestones, no matter how small. Celebrating progress builds momentum and reinforces that your efforts are paying off.

Additional Examples

Related Programs

This principle is especially relevant to Perspective 4: Belonging, where we care about being intentional in why and what we want to achieve.

Notable Mentions

• Be Intentional: This program helps you be intentional about your goals with a success plan that tracks your OKRs and connects them with your projects and tasks.

References and Further Reading

1. Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)(opens in a new tab) – A comprehensive guide by John Doerr explaining the meaning, definition, and practical examples of OKRs.
2. Set Goals With OKRs(opens in a new tab) – Google's step-by-step guide to implementing OKRs, including insights into their benefits and best practices.
3. SMART Goals: How to Make Your Goals Achievable(opens in a new tab) – An article outlining the S.M.A.R.T. framework, its components, and tips for creating actionable goals.