Tiny Leaps, Big Changes 583 - The Outcome Doesn't Matter
In this episode, we look at why the outcome of your actions matter far less than you think.
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Part 1: Presenting the Problem
When focusing on improving some area of our lives we tend to get caught up in the outcomes that we create. Did we eat well or not? Did we save money or not? Did we lose weight or not?
This makes sense, focusing on the outcomes allows us to measure progress and gives us a guide for what direction to go in.
The problem is that focusing exclusively on outcomes ignores the very real value that exists just from the decision itself and the process that follows.
Part 2: Diving Deeper
Here's what I mean. When you make a decision to pursue something. Like truly make a decision. Not one of those half baked decisions that you never act on but when you finally get to a place where action because natural.
That kind of decision causes massive shifts in the way you view yourself. In your identity.
No, you don't identify as a runner. But all of a sudden you are a person who could be a runner.
No you don't run a successful business. But all of a sudden you are a person who could do that.
No you don't have a lot of money saved up. But all of a sudden you are a person who could.
The act of making a decision. A real, meaty decision, shifts the way you view yourself. It shifts what you view as possible for yourself. It shifts your entire sense of self. Even before action is taken.
Then, once you start taking action another shift occurs.
You start to realize just how possible it is.
Whereas before you became a person who could, in theory, accomplish your goals, now you start to a wrap your head around it. You start to see what's required more clearly. You start to see the path.
When you take action..that is, trying things, failing, experimenting, reading, learning, trying again, asking questions...etc...you start to find you way.
It's almost like stumbling through the darkness trying to find your way out. All you can do is take a step, hold out your hands, and feel your way forward.
That's exactly what taking action does for you. With each step you start to form a slightly more clear mental picture of your surroundings. Of what's required.
Between these two things....making a decison, and starting to take action, you experience massive growth as a person. You become a better you, one more prepared, more confident, and more capable than ever before.
Whether or not you successfully accomplish the goal, abandon it, or fail trying doesn't really matter.
Part 3: The Solution
So let's shift the way we view success. Let's start place more emphasis on the part of things that truly matters. Making a decision and taking action. If we do those things, we win. No matter the outcome.