Today’s word count: 697 words
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes 29 seconds
More often than not, when we aim to achieve something, we tend to focus on the outcome as the main measure of success. While the result is certainly one way to assess whether we’ve succeeded or failed, we often overlook the fact that real change, growth, and success take time.
So the question becomes: Over what timeframe should we measure success? And how do we even know when we’ve truly succeeded?
With that in mind, today I’d love for you to shift your focus toward the input—the daily actions, habits, and effort—and explore how this can become your guiding star. Because sometimes, measuring yourself by the outcome alone can actually be counterproductive.
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P.S. There’s a poll at the end of this email—so don’t forget to exercise your right to vote ✌️
Quote 1:
"Focus on the seeds, not the trees. What seeds are you planting today?"
- James Clear (author, habit expert and speaker)
When we think about planting a tree, we often focus on the outcome, the moment when the tree stands tall in our garden, offering beauty and shade. But when we consider the time and care it takes for that tree to grow into the masterpiece of nature we admire, the truth becomes clear: the path to that majestic beauty is long and requires patience, energy, and consistent nurturing.
With that in mind, take a moment today to reflect: What kind of seeds are you planting through your actions and thoughts, and where you choose to invest your energy? What is quietly taking root in your garden right now and what kind of trees will stand there in the years to come?
Quote 2:
“It is not for you to determine success or failure. It is for you to act.”
- Steven Pressfield (author, screenwriter, warrior-mindset advocate)
Once again, we return to the same question of focus—input vs. output. But when you zoom out and consider the bigger picture, you’ll see that success and failure can take on many forms—defined differently by different people, at different times.
If results are ultimately in the eye of the observer, then why not focus on the one thing we can actually control? Our actions.
Quote 3:
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
- Will Durant (historian, philosopher, writer, Pulitzer-winner)
I’ve heard this quote countless times throughout my rowing career, and even now, 10-15 years later, it still hits the same way.
We admire excellence when we see it in others.
We admire people who execute something with near-perfect precision.
We admire, simply put, the hard work that leads to extraordinary outcomes.
But when we zoom out, we realize that excellence isn’t magic—it’s the result of doing something over and over again until it reaches the level of mastery.
And how do you get there?
Through mundane repetition, sustained over extremely long periods of time.
On a personal note — As I reflected on this week’s topic, I realized how often I too focus on the results rather than the inputs. I focus on losing weight, closing a deal at work, or even just finishing a book rather than actually enjoying it. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that it’s the input (the process itself) that holds the real key to achieving any meaningful goal.
And once the focus shifts to the process, something interesting happens: the act of doing becomes enjoyable in itself. The pressure lifts, and the entire journey takes on a new meaning.
Yes Chef!!! hahaha
What kind of "seeds" are you planting this week?
Feeling like making moves? — 7 day challenge
Pick one goal you're currently chasing.
Now, choose one small daily input that supports that goal.
(Example: If your goal is to get fit → your input might be "go for a 20-minute walk.")
👉 Do that one input every day for 7 days.
Ignore the outcome. Just show up.
Please share in the comments on the Motivated AF webpage your experiences with this exercise »»» 💬
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Love you,
Igor
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