To maximize progress focus on Inputs > Outputs

When you put effort, money, and time into a goal, you measure success by the output that it generates.

This is the wrong approach.

Why? Because inputs ≠ outputs.

Results often come in waves or take time to manifest. But it’s also possible that the outputs you’re measuring are out of your control, significantly lowering your chances for success.

So what’s a better way to measure success? By the inputs - The things you can control.

This is super important to understand when defining success for projects.

For example, let’s say you’re launching cold email campaigns and you define success by the number of calls booked. If you get 0 calls booked, it will look and feel like failure even though there’s progress.

A much better way to measure success is by the number of emails delivered (this requires you to monitor deliverability). If you hit these numbers, then you’re going to have data, and with data, you’ll be able to learn, adapt, and improve.

The same applies to any project, goal or desired outcome.

My point is that you need to focus more on the inputs (in your control) and less on the outputs (out of your control).

It’s ok to zoom out and look at the outputs generated, but it can stunt progress if it’s the main metric by which you measure success.

There’s a big difference between trying to control the output vs. inputs that lead to the outcome. No matter how much we plan, we’ll rarely get the perfect output. But if we focus on what we can control, we can get close.

Look at your list of projects and goals and ask:

- Are the outcomes in our control?

- Are we focusing on the right inputs?

- And are we happy with the volume of inputs?

See you all next Thursday 👋

PS. Whenever you're ready... Here are three ways I can help you become more replaceable:

1. Get actionable tips on systems & productivity weekly → Join
2. Learn how to use ChatGPT to create SOPs in minutes → Free Access
3. Find out how I can help you automate & delegate operations → Get My Help

More recent posts ⤵️