Inputs, not outputs.
Why focusing on your inputs is more important than your outputs.
EFFIGIES — Bringing nerds together to reveal the hidden wisdom of comics for fuller, more productive lives!
What’s Inside:
What is an input?
Why you should focus on inputs over ouputs.
How to prioritize your inputs.
Inputs, not outputs.
This week, we’re diving into an often-overlooked aspect of productivity and growth: focusing on inputs rather than outputs. It’s easy to get fixated on end results, but the truth is, our best outcomes stem from consistent effort on the small, actionable steps we control daily. So this week, we’re going to zero in on inputs, why they’re so important, and how we can make sure we’re focusing on them.
But before we do…
I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that we are in the FINAL week of the No Heroine: Second Chances Kickstarter campaign!
Thank you so much to those of you who’ve clicked-through to support the book! Indy comics don’t happen without fan and reader support like yours!
As I mentioned, this is the final week to preorder the book, so if you haven’t already, hit the link below to ensure you get a copy when it releases early next year!
So what is an input?
An input is any action or effort you can take to move closer to your goal. Think of it as the building blocks that, when combined consistently, lead to the outcome you’re aiming for. For a writer, an input could be scripting 3 pages each day. For a fitness goal, it could be showing up at the gym 4 times a week. Inputs are the consistent, repeatable actions that, when done regularly, drive us toward our desired results.
Why inputs are the key…
We all have goals we want to achieve—writing a book, running a marathon, launching a business. While it’s natural to aim for these end results, focusing too much on the output can lead to frustration. Outcomes are often influenced by external factors we can’t control, like timing, market conditions, or even sheer luck.
When we focus on inputs, we keep our attention on the parts of the process that are within our control. By consistently improving and/or expanding our inputs, the desired outputs naturally follow, often more effectively than if we had fixated on them directly.
…and outputs are dangerous.
When we fixate on outcomes—hitting a target, finishing a project by a certain date, or reaching a milestone—we risk losing sight of the process itself. Outcome-driven thinking can lead to frustration or burnout if progress doesn’t appear immediately, discouraging us from taking the small, consistent steps needed to reach the goal.
For example, while building the No Heroine: Second Chances Kickstarter campaign, I focused on finding ways to get the book in front of the right people rather than obsessing over running up the backer count or maximizing the funding total. The goal wasn’t just to fund the campaign but to attract readers who will truly love the book and return for future projects. By focusing on the inputs—crafting an engaging campaign page, refining the pitch, and connecting with the right audience—the outputs naturally followed. This approach ensured the campaign’s success while building a foundation for long-term growth.
So, how can you make the most of your inputs?
How to maximize your inputs?
Focusing on inputs is about consistent, intentional effort. To make the most of them, it’s essential to have a clear plan and a system for improvement. Here’s how to identify, implement, and refine your inputs to ensure steady progress toward your goals
:
Identify Key Inputs for Your Goal - What are the core actions that contribute directly to your progress? List these and make them non-negotiable parts of your routine.
Set Manageable Targets - Break down your inputs into small, achievable actions (cough cough Micro-Goals). Instead of focusing on the end goal, set daily or weekly targets that build momentum over time.
Track and Review Regularly - Keep a record of your inputs to see where you’re putting in consistent effort and where you may need to adjust. Reviewing helps you stay aligned with your goals and recognize the impact of each small action.
Refine as You Go - Inputs aren’t set in stone. As you progress, adapt your actions based on what’s working. This flexibility allows you to optimize your efforts without losing sight of the overall process.
By focusing on inputs instead of outputs, you’re building a process that centers on daily action and improvement. Recognizing both positive and negative inputs helps you maintain balance and avoid setbacks. It’s a mindset shift that reduces stress around the outcome while keeping you moving steadily toward your goals. So, identify your key inputs, stay aware of the pitfalls, and trust that the outputs will follow.
- Frank
I’m Frank Gogol, writer of comics such as Dead End Kids, No Heroine, Unborn, Power Rangers, and more. If this newsletter was interesting / helpful / entertaining…
You can also check out some back issues of the newsletter:
After credits scene.
My wife and I started watching the series Yellowjackets, recently. The third season is set to premiere early next year, so we’re late to this party, but the show is absolutely one of the best things I’ve watched in a long, long time.
It’s equal parts LOST, Lord of the Flies, and Breakfast Club — and it works. If that piques your interest, the first season is streaming on Netflix right now or both seasons can be streamed wherever Showtime content is available.