Because of that, I realized that the outcome is not the outcome. In other words, what we think of as endpoints to a goal are really just forks in a road that is endlessly forking. In the big picture of our lives, we really don't know whether a particular success or failure is actually helping or hurting us. So the metric I now use to judge my efforts and goals is: Did I do my best, given who I was and what I knew at that particular time? And what can I learn from the outcome to make my best better next time?
In this reflection, the author highlights a profound realization about success and goals. He suggests that what we typically see as definite endpoints, such as achievements or failures, are actually just moments along an ongoing journey filled with choices. This perspective emphasizes that the outcomes we encounter may not truly define our progress, as their impact on our lives can be unclear and more complex than we assume.
Instead of focusing solely on the results, he proposes a more personal metric for evaluating our efforts: assessing whether we did our best based on our circumstances and knowledge at that time. This approach encourages continuous learning and self-improvement, as we can draw insights from each experience to enhance our future endeavors.
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Other quotes in Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
