The 365 Commitment

Results are Results

I live in a world where people are always trying to justify their actions through a nice presentation of numbers that always seem to paint the story that they are awesome. Everything is awesome. Everything is great. See my powerpoint, see this graph, the line is up to the right, so I am awesome.

Reminds me of when I worked at a movie theater. Sometimes I had to work concessions, my least favorite job. I remember the days when the movie called “the doctor” came out. Total chick flick. I think it was about egotist doctor who gets cancer and suddenly become a nice guy. There is a romance involved. I remember working concessions on opening day. A line of women waiting all ordering the same thing. Large popcorn, extra extra butter please. Make sure you put the butter on half way full then again after it is full. No, a little more please. Also, I want a pack of redvines, reeses pieces, and peanut M&Ms. Can you mix the candy into the popcorn please? Sure, ma’am, full service concessions booth here. Would you like anything to drink? Yes, please, a large diet coke. I was thinking in my mind, honey, the diet is not working. The results are pretty clear that your eating habits are not getting you where you want to go. Time for a change.

They hypocrisy of extra butter washed down with a diet coke aside, this story reminds me to focus on the ultimate metric. The actual results. I can swear my services sales is awesome because my customer sat metric is stellar, but if I only have 2 customers then that does not make sense. It is important to know the ultimate metric and to stay focused on it. We tend to focus on meaningless metrics to avoid the real question – why are we not getting the results that we really want?

It takes a real honest look at yourself, your business, your life to focus on the real results. If you are in sales, for example, are you earning the money you want? That is the ultimate metric. All excuses aside, it is what it is. In everything you do there is ALWAYS one metric that matters the most. What is your metric?

Guy Reams

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Share the Post:

Recent Blogs

Day 308 – Speed is The Champion

This article explores the concept that speed often leads to success in various fields, from business to technology and sports. It argues that systems capable of rapid action, feedback, and adjustment tend to outperform those focused on avoiding errors. The author highlights the importance of fast feedback loops, citing John Boyd’s OODA loop and its application in AI systems. The piece also discusses the speed-accuracy tradeoff, noting that while speed can lead to more mistakes, these are often recoverable, and the compounding effect of rapid learning ultimately drives better results.

Read More

Day 307 – Iterative Could be Insufficient

This article explores the contrast between iterative and linear thinking, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. It argues that while iterative thinking is beneficial in many fields, it can sometimes be an excuse for insufficient upfront planning, and proposes a hybrid approach for more robust decision-making.

Read More

Day 306 – The Zeigarnik Effect

The article explores the psychological relief gained from writing down unfinished tasks and concerns, linking it to the Zeigarnik Effect. It explains how externalizing thoughts through writing can free the mind from constantly remembering and worrying about unresolved issues, allowing for greater mental peace and the ability to conclude the day effectively.

Read More

Day 305 – The Treasure He Never Found

A young man spends his life chasing riches, fame, and glory, only to find repeated failures. In his old age, surrounded by his loving family, he realizes that the true treasure he sought was not in external achievements but in the relationships and character he built along the way.

Read More
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x