I have been having a miscued sense of progress and achievement so much that i feel that i have arrived only when i got the results - be it position, best-seller, or BMI of 25!
I am focused on outcomes ; outcomes and outcomes and i often fail to see the process;
In calculus , I was taught the standard function y= f(x)
Y is the outcome;Effect; amateurs focus on this , too much;
X : is the drivers : Cause(s); Great performers identify and focus on Drivers;
Now there is another parameter : dx/dt : ie., progress with time ;rate of change; Genius performers focus on it;
Take example of body weight loss :
weight loss = function (diet, exercise) ; Low-carb diet => Calorie intake low ; Exercise means Calorie output high! and naturally weight loss occurs! the weight loss score will take care of itself!
But what do amateurs do ? a little exercise and little dieting and they keep checking weight :
they purse out the lips and claim nothing changes
On the other hand , Great performers , focus on drivers : diet and exercise
genius performers: focus on tracking the improvement in diet and exercise day after day; They keep improving on their diet and exercise regimens!
No prizes for guessing, who will get the results;
not certainly the ones who focused on outcomes only!
Everything takes time : BMI , best-seller, Scaling Himalayan peaks;
I need to focus on the drivers of the outcomes and create habits that improve the drivers with time;
Plutarch tell story of a rich ship-owner ,who was asked , how he built his fortune: " The greater part came quite easily; but the first smaller part, took time and effort" ; This is the classic Compounding effect that Einstein calls out as the 8th wonder of the World!
"Don't stop doing something , just because its going to take time; Time shall pass anyway"
I need to Start today - where ever I am ; However I am ; Set the goalpost but Focus on the Drivers!
A man swimming in the lake, who keeps his head-up looking at the other shore shall never reach the shore!
Authors
mukund