We Don’t Get to Control Outcomes, Only Our Inputs.
Last week, I finished a book on sales, which led me to read about the six laws of improvement. They are all powerful, but one stood out and inspired this week's memo: every system is perfectly designed to achieve exactly the results it gets.
Let's discuss focusing on the quality of your inputs and building a system that supports your long-term vision rather than fixating on controlling outcomes or their timing.
For the past six years, this has been the journey of my podcast—over 100 interviews with incredible human beings building with purpose. From interviewing the Chief Human Resources Office at Netflix to tech founders, business owners, artists, and champions of global movements, my mission has always been to help people live according to their purpose.
One question that comes up often is, "How do you stay consistent after all this time?"
That same question has crossed my mind, and I'm learning it's because I haven't been fixated on controlling the show's outcomes or the timing of that "next level" or "big break."
I've built a system around the show and the mission of what I set out to do in 2017. This system focuses on the inputs: sharpening my interviewing skills, conducting thorough guest research, asking thoughtful questions, listening, and delivering value to my predominantly entrepreneurial audience.
I'm preparing.
And creating an environment where my guests feel comfortable being themselves, and guiding truthful conversations. Preparing also looks like becoming the person who is equipped for more. Myron Golden pointedly says: “I have to be a lot, to do a lot, to have a lot”. So when it does come time to leverage what I've done for greater opportunities, the core of what I do is built on a solid foundation.
Preparing also looks like becoming the person who is equipped for more. Myron Golden pointedly says: “I have to be a lot, to do a lot, to have a lot”.
This is how I think about most things in life. With time, I am meant to become. So I'm not out here setting rigid goals and latching on to a pre-determined timeline of how my life is supposed to shape up. I think that's nice and idealistic, but Scripture says He hath made every thing beautiful in His time. I know everything unfolds beautifully in God's time, not mine.
And when I reflect, I see how perfectly timed things have been:
Moving to New York City and becoming a city gal who appreciates art and creativity more than she ever has.
Meeting my incredible partner while on a walk near Columbia's campus (our dog chose a tree and my man found me).
Taking a 3-week trip to Europe with my family this summer after years of thinking about it.
Moving to a bright new home, where sunlight pours into our living space, despite many failed attempts.
Responding to a recruitment call-out that my mentor did in 2022, raising my hand, and now, I'm working alongside a leader in the ghostwriting space, working on dope celebrity and executive ghostwriting projects, brand development, and leveraging my talent strategy brain for team development.
... to name a few.
We don't get to control outcomes, only our inputs.
What that means in a practical sense is:
Focusing on developing your skills
Having a pulse on what's happening in the world, in your industry and in this tech landscape-- you must stay ahead and position yourself strategically.
Staying curious, and
Building character, resilience, and patience.
When we prioritize high-quality inputs, aligned outcomes will follow—but we don't get to determine how long that takes.
If the outcomes look janky, check your inputs
Remember: “every system is perfectly designed to achieve exactly the results it gets.”
So, what systems or habits have you built that help you focus on the process instead of the outcome? If you haven't built one yet, what would that system look like for you?