Thinkydoers®

Ever feel lost in the alphabet soup of goal-setting frameworks?Whether you're a leader, a coach, or a goal-setting enthusiast, navigating between SMART goals, KPIs, OKRs, and other frameworks can feel overwhelming.In this episode, Sara Lobkovich – strategist, OKR coach, and nationally board-certified health and wellness coach (with “another life” in professional motorcycle road racing) – gives you the inside scoop on the most popular frameworks. Through easy-to-understand examples from the worlds of health and sports, Sara breaks down when and how to use each framework to drive success.You'll leave with a clear understanding of what each framework truly means, how they differ, and which one to use to turbocharge your personal or professional goals.Want to watch the full-length replay of the Live this episode is drawn from? It’s on YouTube!Episode Highlights:Clear explanation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and why they're indicators, not goalsDeep dive into SMART goals and their practical applications How OKRs differ from other frameworks for handling uncertainty and innovationUnderstanding mandatory vs. stretch goalsReal-world examples using health and sports metricsIntroduction to additional frameworks like BSC (Balanced Scorecard) and ROB (Rhythm of Business)Key Concepts Covered:Activity Goals vs. Outcome GoalsKPIs as health indicators for your businessThe limitations of SMART goalsWhen and how to use mandatory goalsThe power of OKRs for uncertain territory Building a holistic performance dashboardCreating effective rhythms of businessEpisode Chapters[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts[00:43] Sara's Dual Life: Business and Racing[01:12] Goal Fridays and Live Replays[02:59] Decoding Goal-Setting Acronyms[07:38] Activity Goals: The Basics[09:02] KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (and KPIs vs. OKRs)[11:32] SMART Goals: Specific and Measurable[15:52] Mandatory Goals vs. Stretch Goals[18:20] OKRs and Other Goal-Setting FrameworksNotable Quotes:"KPIs are indicators, not goals - it's right there in the name." "SMART goals are helpful because they are specific. They do give us something to aim for.   The challenge with SMART goals, and we're going to talk about mandatories in just a minute, is with SMART goals, It's a little too easy to set that goal and then have our all-or-nothing thinking take over with our behavior."" And quantifying activity is great. It gives you that clarity when what's important is that you do something a certain number of times. But doing something a certain number of times won't necessarily yield the outcome you need.""The Objective is like a tiny love letter from your idealistic 'you' to your future 'you' that's going to get frustrated and challenged.""Your Rhythm of Business (ROB) is all of the things that make up the culture of performance in your work. [...]Your Rhythm of Business is really your culture. It's your meetings, yes, it's also your communication norms, your asynchronous communication norms, your habits. Your rhythms for learning and feedback, your ways of recognizing each other and what cadence that's on."Resources Mentioned:Get the No-BS OKRs Workbook ($19): https://saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdfInfo about the upcoming print version of the No-BS OKRs Workbook & Sara's forthcoming book: "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done" is available at https://youareastrategist.com Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podConnect with Sara:Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletterContact: findrc.co/contactEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comSocial Media: @saralobkovich most everywhere!Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

Thinking about implementing OKRs? Your first instinct might be to shop for an OKR tool - but that could be setting yourself up for failure. In this candid Thinkydoers Short, strategy coach Sara Lobkovich explains why starting with software often backfires, and shares a proven alternative with a methodology-focused approach that will set your organization up for long-term OKR success.Episode Highlights:Common pitfalls of taking a tool-first approach to OKR implementationWhy methodology must come before softwareHow to track OKRs effectively without specialized toolsA practical timeline for OKR implementation that sets you up for successSigns that your organization is actually ready for an OKR toolKey Takeaways:Tools alone don't solve the core challenges of implementing OKRsStart with company-level OKRs and establish strong methodology before scalingSimple tracking methods like spreadsheets can work well in early stagesLet organizational demand drive tool adoption rather than forcing itFocus on behavior change and culture shifts before investing in softwareNotable Quotes:“ People need an OKR process that isn't yucky. If it's yucky, then they're going to do all sorts of work for a process that might generate a pretty dashboard for the leaders. But we want people to love our OKR implementations. We want people -- not just leaders -- to see the benefit of OKR implementations.”"We want to focus on Objectives and Key Results as continuous learning, and we want to keep our tools and ops simple.""We let folks struggle until they're suffering with the lack of software, and then that makes our software adoption so much more successful.""What's ultimately most important is that leaders need objective information to make decisions."Episode Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts[00:43] Sara's Dual Life: Business and Racing[01:12] Goal Fridays and Live Replays[02:59] Decoding Goal-Setting Acronyms[07:38] Activity Goals: The Basics[09:02] KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (and KPIs vs. OKRs)[11:32] SMART Goals: Specific and Measurable[15:52] Mandatory Goals vs. Stretch Goals[18:20] OKRs and Other Goal-Setting FrameworksResources Mentioned:Get the No-BS OKRs Workbook ($19): https://saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdfInfo about the upcoming print version of the No-BS OKRs Workbook & Sara's forthcoming book: "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done" is available at https://youareastrategist.com Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podConnect with Sara:Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletterContact: findrc.co/contactEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comSocial Media: @saralobkovich most everywhere!Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

Ever feel like you're speaking a different language than your colleagues when presenting your ideas? Or, like a square peg in your work? Do you feel like you're trying to read minds to understand what's expected of you, while your co-workers are just humming along doing their work? Or, do you lead people who that describes well?In this powerful episode, Sara Lobkovich reveals why the very qualities that might make some people feel like an outsider at work—being "too analytical" or "too detail-oriented"—could actually be their greatest strategic strengths (and a tremendous asset to the organizations they work within).In today's Thinkydoers short, hear a preview of the Introduction to Sara's upcoming book: You Are A Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done"You Are A Strategist" isn't just another theoretical strategy book. It's a practical playbook for people who think differently about work and want to make real change happen. Through frameworks like the Connected Strategic One-Pager and No-BS OKRs, you'll discover how to transform your strategic insights into clear, compelling direction that others can actually follow, without getting lost in politics or burning out.Drawing from her experience training over 2,000 OKR coaches across more than 300 organizations globally, Sara shares a human-centered approach to strategy that works for everyone—not just those with traditional business backgrounds or positions of power. Whether you're in the C-Suite, a chief of staff, a program manager, a product manager, a project lead, department director, or high-performing individual contributor (or beyond!), this episode will help you unlock your inner strategist and make your unique impact.Episode Highlights:Why being "strategic" isn't about being smart or having a specific job titleThe five key questions that identify strategic thinkersHow to recognize and empower strategic thinkers in your organizationWhy ideas alone aren't enough in today's business environmentIntroduction to Connected Strategic One-sheet and No-BS OKRsThe science behind goal-setting and motivationEpisode Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts[00:39] Introduction to You Are A Strategist[01:28] Dedication and Audience[01:53] Identifying Strategists[02:25] Challenges and Misconceptions[04:29] Defining Strategy and Strategists[10:17] The Role of Ideas in Strategy[12:18] Implementing Strategic Goals[19:39] The Connected Strategic One Sheet and No BS OKRs[26:57] Conclusion and Next StepsNotable Quotes:[00:05:00] "The job isn't to convince people that you're a smart person; it's to clarify situations so everyone can do the smart thing." (Referencing a quote by Rob Estreitinho of Salmon Labs)[00:07:00] "If you read books and research papers for fun and delight in spotting ways that wildly disparate information connects to create new ideas and approaches, that might be you."[00:09:00] "Good strategy makes the work better, but you don't see the strategy itself. The strategy is the scaffolding that the stuff you ultimately see rests on."[00:12:00] "If anyone is to have any hope of solving the major organizational, cultural, and existential problems we all face together today, insightful, curious, linky brains are an asset."[00:16:00] "In today's market and work world, every person can operate strategically, no matter how senior or tactical your role. Strategy is clear expectations."[00:24:00] "Strategy achievement, at its core, is human behavior change. Psychological research in the motivation sciences fields shows that human behavior change relies heavily on the creation of specific, actionable goals and a learning-focused approach."Key Takeaways:Strategy is about clarifying situations so everyone can do the smart thingStrategic thinking is independent of job title or roleGood strategy makes work better but often remains invisibleClear expectations and empirical measurements are crucial for successStrategy achievement is fundamentally about human behavior changeResources Mentioned:You Are A Strategist book: youareastrategist.comNo-BS OKRs Workbook (PDF download): https://findrc.co/4ggdAtzNewsletter signup: findrc.co/newsletterMentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

What does it take to perform at the absolute limit, every time you show up to work?How do you navigate your own chemisty, and both objective and perceived risk when lives are actually on the line?Find out in this conversation with professional motorcycle road racer, firefighter, and business owner, Jayson Uribe. Jay and I work together in our moto lives -- he's one of the pro riders that I really enjoy working with in my capacity as a team principal for CW Moto Racing. In addition to being a very skilled, highly capable and accomplished rider in a sport where the rider is ultimately the one who goes out there and twists the throttle, Jayson's life and career have given him a unique perspective on teamwork that makes him truly fun to work with. He's also a talented development rider: his ability to give us technical information about his experience on track not only makes it possible for us to improve the bike for him; it also helps us improve our equipment for all of our riders.Jayson agreed to join me for a peek inside his brain, to hear more about his experiences with balancing technical precision and emotional awareness in high-stakes environments. From his morning pre-race routines to his approach to failure and risk management, what he's learned about performing under pressure applies far beyond the racetrack or firehouse. Whether you're facing challenging decisions in your own work, managing teams through high-pressure situations, or simply curious about the psychology of peak performance, you'll find valuable insights in this conversation about what it really takes to execute at the highest level when it matters most.Episode Highlights:The learnable balance between technical expertise and emotional regulationAchieving and maintaining flow states in high-pressure situationsHow morning routines and preparation impact performanceManaging failure and using setbacks as motivationRisk mitigation and decision-making under pressureTransferable skills between racing and firefightingThe myth of natural talent vs. practiced fundamentalsKey Concepts Explored:Flow state in high-performance environmentsTechnical precision under emotional stressRisk assessment and managementProgressive goal-settingRecovery and regulation techniquesPerformance preparation routinesNotable Quotes:"[High performance] is just perfect execution of fundamentals under stress. And the more perfect the execution, the better the outcome will be.""The best races are the ones you don't remember. When you're riding the bike you're almost so focused that everything else is a blur.""Being able to remove the emotional side of things... you got to lock into the moment of what you are there to do."Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast[00:56] Current Events and Connecting with Listeners[04:05] Deep Dive: Jayson Uribe's Multifaceted Career[06:51] Balancing Emotions and Technical Precision[11:32] Goal-Setting and Performance Mindset[19:28] Lessons from Racing and FirefightingGuest Information:Jayson Uribe is a professional motorcycle racer with both international and U.S. national career experience. He currently races in MotoAmerica, the U.S. national road racing series (and, with us -- CW Moto, during the off-season in the CVMA series in California). He is also a firefighter, and founder of Code Three Consultations, specializing in automotive forensics and investigations. Jayson's Contact Info:Code Three Consultations: code3consultations.comConnect with Jayson: Instagram @Jayson36uribeSara's Links & Resources:For a limited time: Schedule a 30-minute Connection Session with Sara (during Nov 2024): https://findrc.co/nov30minCW Moto Racing on Instagram: @cw_motoSara's CW Moto email address: sara@cwmoto.comJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podMentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

What can business leaders learn from the high-stakes world of professional motorsports?Find out, in this conversation between Thinkydoers host Sara Lobkovich (whose "other life" is in professional motorcycle road racing) and organizational change expert Jurriaan Kamer, co-author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and his new release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization."We cover a lot of ground here -- from how pro racing teams approaches to goal clarity, mistake recovery, and rhythmic learning can transform your leadership practice, to creating blame-free cultures, and mastering the art of strategic alignment.In this lively and engaging conversation, you'll discover how racing's high-performance, high-stakes principles can accelerate your business performance—whether you're a motorsports fan or not.Episode Highlights:Three core principles business can learn from racing teams: Crystal-clear goals and their role in driving focusBalanced autonomy and alignment in high-performing teamsRhythmic learning: how racing teams turn every moment into an opportunity for improvementCreating blame-free cultures in high-stakes environmentsThe power of "even over" statements in explicit prioritizationDecision-making frameworks: understanding "hats, haircuts, and tattoos"How consent and choice drive organizational ownershipNotable Quotes:"Failure avoidance is more dangerous than failure recovery." - Jurriaan Kamer"If you look at Formula 1 teams [...] execution is not 99% of the thing. They understand that everything they do is an opportunity to reflect and improve. These meetings, these rituals, are built into their cadence. It's not something somebody has to plan - it's just part of how they operate." - Jurriaan Kamer"If you try to convince a group of people, the first thing you need to do is not tell them why you think you're right, but ask them what they think is going to go wrong. And then you can start to build conviction together." - Jurriaan Kamer"We have to take a systemic perspective when things go wrong... As an outsider, you think 'Oh, this person needs to be fired, because they blew the chances of a victory.' Which is just very short-term focused because [mistakes] will repeat [themselves] if you don't understand all the factors that were at play." - Jurriaan KamerGuest Information: Jurriaan Kamer is an organizational change expert based in the Netherlands and author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and "Unblock." Drawing from his unique access to professional car-racing teams and extensive experience with self-managing organizations, he helps leaders worldwide create high-performing, adaptable organizations.Jurriaan's Resources Mentioned:Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization (Book by Rini van Solingen and Jurriaan Kamer)Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization (Book by Jurriaan Kamer)Website: jurriaankamer.comUnblock book website: unblockbook.netSara's Links and Resources:Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridaysJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podFollow CW Moto Racing on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cw_motoFind full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

Feeling stuck but unsure how to get help? You're not alone - and this episode is for you. In part two of my powerful conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, we explore why the journey to getting unstuck shouldn't be a solo endeavor. Learn why it takes most people 10 years to seek professional help, how to find the right therapist (and what to do if your first try isn't a fit), and practical strategies for getting the support you need. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or looking to rebuild trust after a difficult experience, this episode offers candid insights and actionable guidance for taking that crucial first step.Episode Highlights:Finding the right therapist and why it's like datingHow to have an initial conversation with potential therapistsThe importance of establishing boundaries in therapeutic relationshipsWhy it's never too late to seek helpBuilding a healthy support systemCommon Questions:How do I know if I need professional help?What should I look for in a therapist?What if my first therapy experience isn't working?How do I communicate with my therapist about concerns?Notable Quotes:"It's never too late to start. I've worked with patients in their seventies, and my biggest heartbreak is for people to leave this earth without experiencing joy—being stuck and not seeing what it could have looked like." - Dr. Adkins"The average length of time that it takes for someone to actually seek professional help is about 10 years." - Dr. Adkins"Before you can actually trust someone, you got to feel comfortable." - Dr. AdkinsResources Mentioned:Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.comDr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedInSara's Links and Resources:Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridaysJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podFind full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

In this engaging conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, a Physician Assistant and Unstuck Strategist, listeners learn how feeling stuck can often mimic depression or anxiety. Dr. Adkins delves into the physical and emotional signs of stuckness, unveiling how 'sticky thinking' traps individuals. She discusses the significance of recognizing these signs before they impact well-being and offers insights on navigating career changes and family dynamics. The chat emphasizes that feeling stuck isn't always negative—it might signal crucial life shifts.

Are you an overthinker who can't seem to quiet your mind? A perfectionist struggling to find peace in a chaotic world? This episode is your lifeline. Dr. Alice Rizzi, a licensed psychologist and mindfulness coach, breaks down the myths about mindfulness and offers practical, accessible techniques that even the busiest minds can embrace. Discover how just 30 seconds a day can transform your mental landscape and why traditional meditation isn't the only path to mindfulness. Whether you've tried mindfulness before and given up, or you're completely new to the concept, this episode promises to revolutionize your approach to mental well-being.Episode Highlights:Dr. Rizzi's refreshing definition of mindfulness that goes beyond sitting stillThe surprising difference between mindfulness and meditationGame-changing mindfulness techniques tailored for overthinkers and perfectionistsHow to start a mindfulness practice when you think you have no timeSimple grounding exercises that can calm your nervous system in secondsThe overlooked importance of self-compassion in mindfulness practiceCommon Questions Addressed:What is mindfulness, really, and how is it different from meditation?Can overthinkers and perfectionists actually benefit from mindfulness?What are some quick, no-nonsense ways to incorporate mindfulness into a hectic life?How can mindfulness help manage the overwhelming stress and anxiety of modern life?Notable Quotes:"Mindfulness is the quality of being present in this moment with awareness, acceptance, kindness, compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment." - Dr. Alice Rizzi"It's better to do 30 seconds every day than even sit for 10 minutes once a week." - Dr. Alice Rizzi"Right now, in this moment, chances are you're actually okay." - Dr. Alice RizziEpisode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast 01:27 Goal Fridays: A Series for Changemakers02:45 Meet Dr. Alice Rizzi: Mindfulness Expert04:35 Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation06:44 Mindfulness for High Achievers and Overthinkers09:48 Grounding Techniques for Overthinkers16:28 The Power of Self-Compassion and Non-Judgment21:52 Practical Tips for Mindfulness Practice32:11 Conclusion and ResourcesKey Takeaways:Forget long meditation sessions; brief daily practices can be more effective for busy minds.Learn the "five, four, three, two, one" grounding technique to instantly reconnect with the present moment.Discover why self-compassion might be the missing piece in your mindfulness journey.Explore how a simple self-hug can regulate your nervous system faster than you think.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Alice Rizzi's Instagram: @DrAliceRizziWebsite: togethermindful.com (free mindfulness toolkit availableTherapy services (NY and FL): dralicerizzi.comSara's Links and Resources:Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridaysThe No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs WorkbookJoin Sara's Email NewsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home PageWhether you're a seasoned mindfulness practitioner or a skeptical beginner, this episode offers fresh insights and practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater ease and presence.Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

Is October the new January? Gen Z thinks so, and they might be onto something. In this Thinkydoers Short, I dive into the viral TikTok trend of "October Theory" and explore how it intersects with established business practices like quarterly planning and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this episode offers fresh insights on goal-setting and achievement.Episode Highlights:Introduction to "October Theory" and its viral spread on TikTokHow October Theory aligns with business quarterly planning practicesWhat us Olds can learn from the youth on the importance of end-of-Q3 retrospectives and learning reviewsIntroduction to Key Results for Gen Z goal-settersThe benefits of outcome-based goals over activity-based goalsKey Questions:What is October Theory?How does October Theory relate to business planning cycles?What are Key Results in the context of OKRs?Why are outcome-based goals more effective than activity-based goals?Notable Quotes:"Let's listen to the next generation on this one and prioritize the end of Q3 reset.""Key results are a different kind of goal... We're going to think about what would be really incredible to achieve in terms of impacts or quantifiable outcomes of our effort.""Instead of the risk of the all or nothing bad feelings that we get when we set just activity based goals, when we create key results, that's what we're pursuing... We get instantly curious, even if you're not having any progress."Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts 01:15 Discovering October Theory02:07 Understanding October Theory and Its Impact03:43 The Power of Key Results for Gen Z04:06 Implementing OKRs in Business06:21 Creating Effective Key Results09:02 The Benefits of Key Results Over Activity Goals12:57 Conclusion and Join the Pre-Launch List for You Are A StrategistLinks and Resources:Pre-launch list for "You Are a Strategist": youareastrategist.comSara's website: saralobkovich.comShortcut to Sara's website: findrc.co Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.

Want to incorporate more play into your world? You’re in the right place! Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a biological necessity that can transform your mental well-being and even help manage mental health symptoms like hypervigilance and anxiety. And we’re lucky to have play expert TJ Matton back for this second episode in our two-part series on play. If you haven’t already, listen to last week’s episode for fundamentals about the science of play; and here we get practically applied. How can you increase play in your life? Listen (or read on) for answers.Episode Highlights:Foundations of Play: Play is essential for learning and development, helping us build new neural pathways.Play as a Mindfulness Practice: Integrating play into daily life to enhance mindfulness and personal growth.Managing Hypervigilance: Practical exercises to use play as a tool for managing hypervigilance.Mindfulness and Emotional Reactivity: Shifting from emotional reactivity to curiosity through play. Types of Play: Exploring different play patterns and how to integrate them into everyday activities.Common Questions:How can play help with mindfulness?What are some practical ways to integrate play into daily life?How can play be used to manage hypervigilance?Notable Quotes:“Play is how we learn new ways of thinking, being, and operating. It’s necessary for growth and evolution.”“Focusing on our enjoyment is never wasted; it’s an embodiment practice.”“Hypervigilance can be a play buddy. Opt into it in safe environments to transform it from a suffering experience to an impulse for growth.”Guest Information:TJ Matton: Founder and Chief Play Officer of the Playful Revolution. You can find more information about TJ and her work at theplayfulrevolution.com and on Instagram at @theplayfulrevolution.Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week for a conversation with another incredible expert about stuckness and mental health. Don’t miss it!Special Offer: Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting priorities? Struggling to achieve the results you need in your organization or career? It’s time to unblock your inner strategist. Join my community membership program, designed for aspiring and practicing strategic operators who think differently. Right now, membership is $100 off for the full year, just in time to help with your Q3, Q4 transition and ramp up for 2025. Visit findrc.co/ubyis to learn more.Stay Connected: Thank you for joining and listening. I can’t wait to hear what resonated with you in this episode. Subscribe to our newsletter at findrc.co/newsletter to stay updated. You can find me, Sara Lobkovich, pretty much everywhere online. Feel free to contact me at sara@thinkydoers.com. If you have other Thinkydoers in your work world, please pass this episode along. We appreciate your referrals, mentions, shares, and reviews.Find full show notes and transcript at http://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod.Mentioned in this episode:Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird AccessAre you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.