Input vs. Output

We all understand the concept of what we put into something is what will come out. The opposite is also true. Nothing in means that nothing will come out. In fact, in some instances such as relationships, this actually produces not just a zero-sum outcome, but can also have a negative effect on your impact and influence.

This principle is true in almost all areas of our lives — from the food we eat to the things we tell ourselves. Only what goes in is what can come out. Here’s an interesting, ironic, and yes, often frustrating side of this concept for so many of us. Being lazy or unmotivated about what is actually going into our lives is easy. Therefore, we can spend a great deal of time expecting amazing things to happen when we put in little to no effort. From our relationships with our spouses, to friends, to our careers, we often want to put in ten and get one hundred out. This is inherent in all of us, created from a mixture of pride and passivity.

The good or bad news, depending on your perspective, is that the answer to this problem in us all is simply focus, discipline, effort, and hard work. But with that, how can we get better at both input and output?

1.   Eliminate Distractions: Identify what keeps derailing your input to the time you put into things. This applies to your work, your relationships, and you habits. Focus on quality time with colleagues, friends, and family. Keep your priorities set on what your most passionate about. Don’t get pulled into unnecessary details and distractions. Delegate if you need to. Find ways to get things done through others.

2.   Engage Realistic Expectations: Ask yourself, where am I expecting too much or too little of myself? The natural tendency is to expect a great deal of others and too little of ourselves. So often we don’t even realize we are imbalanced in our expectations of people and situations. We can expect a lot from others without stopping to take into account what might be going on in their lives. At times, we can also easily beat ourselves up for not delivering all that we think we should. I find some many of my clients are so hard on themselves. They try to be perfect rather than striving for excellence.

3.   Embrace Discipline: Pushing through and pressing on is often the best and only answer to many of life’s challenges. Running away or ignoring them just creates more problems. When you face issues head on this most often diminishes fear and anxiety. You develop the confidence to address similar challenges in the future. This also sets a positive example for others. When people see you taking on adversity head on, it gives them the courage to do the same.

4.   Redirect Energy: Our culture can easily demand that we place time and energy on the wrong things (e.g., social media, technology). Sitting down to reflect and map out where your time is spent might shed light on why your inputs and outputs are not optimum. Channel your energies on positive and productive things. The project at work that you’ve been putting off. Spending time with your family. Partnering more consistently with colleagues rather than doing your work all alone.

5.   Yes and No are Still Sufficient Answers: Giving firm “yes” and “no” answers according to what is right and best for a situation is still perfectly fine to do. You shouldn’t take on more than you can manage at one point in time. I see so many leaders struggle when they bite off more than the can chew. Allowing others’ expectations and approval to determine your decisions is problematic. This must particularly be addressed if you tend to be a people pleaser.

What you put into things is what you get out of them. There’s the saying “garbage in, garbage out.” Be mindful of where you direct your focus and energy. Put time into the things that matter most. Let go of the irrelevant and unimportant issues. Leaders that do this tend to get the most done. Their focus, commitment, and dedication in the right areas helps them accomplish all of their goals and desires outcomes.

Adam C. Bandelli, Ph.D. is the Managing Director of Bandelli & Associates, a boutique consulting firm focusing on leadership development and organizational effectiveness.

For more information about this or other leadership topics, visit our website at www.bandelliandassociates.com. 

Leadership Matters. Without It, People Fail.