Effort Over Outcome: Taking Responsibility for Our Actions and Becoming the Change We Want to See
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned came from my mentor, Jasmine Star. She often says, "We are responsible for our efforts, not the outcome." This statement has become a guiding principle for me in both my personal and professional life.
It's easy to get caught up in the results and to feel frustrated when things don't turn out as planned. We've all been there—working tirelessly towards something, only to have the outcome fall short of our expectations. But in moments like these, I remind myself: did I give my all? Did I truly put forth my best effort? If the answer is no, I own that. I take responsibility. But if the answer is yes, then it's time to let go. We can’t control everything, but we can control how much we give ourselves to our endeavors.
Sometimes, life is unfair. Circumstances might not align, despite our best efforts. But rather than dwelling on this, we can choose to take action. Instead of ruminating on what went wrong, we can focus on what we can do next. We can be the change we want to see, both in our personal lives and the world around us.
Be the Person, Be the Leader, Be the Change
I was reminded of this recently by another quote from Simon Sinek, “Be the leader that you want to see in your community.” This idea resonates deeply with me. It's not just about leadership in the traditional sense—it's about showing up as the person we want to see in the world.
Be the friend you want to have. Be the coworker or business partner you wish existed. Be the inspiration for others by consistently striving to be your best self. In the digital age, this extends beyond face-to-face interactions. Whether online or offline, showing up authentically and giving your best effort is what will set you apart.
Create the Change You Want to See
When I talk about building an online presence, I see it as an opportunity to create positive change. We often complain about not seeing the type of content we want to engage with. But why wait for someone else to create it? If there’s content you wish existed, write it. If there’s a perspective you think is missing, share it.
Start now—whether it’s through writing, creating videos, or any other medium. Use the tools available to you. Even if it’s not perfect, your voice, your message, and your experiences can make a difference. People may not see the world through the same lens as you, but if you don’t share your perspective, they’ll never have the chance to understand it.
And this doesn’t mean sharing every intimate detail of your life. There are ways to be open and impactful while keeping your personal boundaries intact. The key is to focus on the value you can offer—whether it’s knowledge, experience, or encouragement.
Showing Up Means Giving Your Best
A recent LinkedIn post by a recruiter sparked a conversation about the effort candidates put into job applications. The recruiter mentioned that applicants often didn’t put in the time or thought required for a well-paying position. While many people sided with the candidates, I saw it differently. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about showing up with your best effort.
This applies to every part of life—not just job applications, but relationships, personal projects, and community efforts. When you bring your best self to the table, you build a foundation of trust, capability, and authenticity that speaks volumes. But here’s the thing—it’s not enough to show up just when the stakes are high. By consistently putting your best foot forward, you build an online presence that speaks to your talents, skills, and expertise, long before any critical moment arises.
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Failures Are Lessons
Let’s be real for a moment: things won’t always go according to plan. I recently recorded several videos with the intent of posting them online, only to find out later that the video quality was far below my standard. I could have posted them as-is, focusing solely on the message, but instead, I saw it as an opportunity to improve.
Every failure, every misstep, is an opportunity to learn and grow. I embrace my mistakes because they push me to do better. This is why I continue to show up, why I continue to build my online presence—to share what I’ve learned with others.
And that’s the mindset we should all have. Even if just one person benefits from what you’re sharing, it’s worth it. Whether your audience is local or global, your effort has the potential to positively impact someone. So keep showing up—for yourself, and the world.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, we are only responsible for the effort we put in, not the outcome. What matters is that we show up, give our all, and continue to push forward despite setbacks. Be the person, the leader, and the change you wish to see in the world—both online and offline. By doing this, not only will you create a positive impact for yourself, but you’ll also inspire others to do the same.
Watch the Video That Inspired this Article
This blog post is rooted in the powerful message shared in my recent video, where I dive into the idea of taking responsibility for our efforts, not the outcome. The video explores personal stories, wisdom from mentors like Jasmine Star and Simon Sinek, and practical steps you can take to become the leader, friend, and change-maker you want to see in the world.
By watching, you'll gain:
If this article resonates with you, I encourage you to watch the full video.