Summary
Highlights
Many people obsess about lag measures, which are the results or outcomes they desire. However, these outcomes are often not entirely within direct control. The speaker uses the example of wanting a toned body; simply wanting it (a lag measure) will not make it happen. The video then introduces the concept of lead measures, which are the actionable, measurable, and controllable steps that lead to the desired lag measures. Goals will not accomplish themselves; they need lead measures to be implemented.
The world has more ideators than executors. While many have great ideas and lofty goals, often referred to as 'lag measures,' there's a significant gap in execution. The speaker references Chris McChesney's "The 4 Disciplines of Execution" to explain that obsessing over uncontrollable results is less effective than focusing on the process. The advice is to become 'process conscious' and 'journey-obsessed' rather than 'destination-focused' or 'result-obsessed'.
Using the toned body example, lead measures would include going to the gym five times a week, getting 7-8 hours of sleep, maintaining a reasonable diet, and managing stress. These are the daily, actionable steps that are within one's control. By focusing on these lead measures consistently, the desired lag measure (toned body) will eventually be accomplished, often without a direct, constant focus on the end result.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, states that "You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." This emphasizes that goals are not self-accomplishing. It is the systems and consistent implementation of lead measures that determine success. The focus should be on building higher systems to achieve higher goals, embracing the process, and breaking down large ambitions into smaller, manageable tasks.
Success comes from consistently performing small tasks well. The speaker encourages breaking down huge goals into granular details and not despising these small steps. Patience is crucial, as results from these daily exertions may not be immediately visible but compound over time. True success involves being comfortable with the little steps, as they are the foundation for significant achievements. Avoid the A-to-Z mindset; instead, focus on moving from A to B daily, building momentum until the ultimate goal is reached.