Outputs and inputs.

Outputs can help us in setting goals and also in checking whether we are on track to achieving them or not.

But they do not help us in moving forward towards our goals. What helps in achieving the goals are the input metrics. That's what matters.

If you are trying to lose weight, the weighing machine only gives the output but diet, workout, sleep and water are the inputs that will move the needle in the favourable direction.

If you trying to earn more money, the bank balance gives the output but the steps you take to reach out to potential customers and to enrol them to solve their problems are the inputs.

It's easy to keep staring at the outputs and wonder why we are not achieving our goals. What's necessary is to identify the critical inputs and build a system that helps us in managing them.