It’s been a while since the last time we met here. 2024 has been nothing short of amazing for me—a year where years of preparation finally bore fruit. I took the time to celebrate those wins and enjoyed the ride to its fullest.

Now that 2025 has arrived, I want to commit to being more active here. Let’s see how that goes. Writing has become more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way to reflect, think deeply, and practice a skill that feels increasingly overlooked in this era of generative AI. It’s a craft worth nurturing, and I’d love for this space to be a part of that process.

With my degree now behind me, I have more time to focus on learning things I truly enjoy—things that are practical and meaningful. One of the areas I’m diving into as part of a product specialization course I’m taking is the concept of Output vs. Outcome.

What Is "Output Mode"?

At its core, the concept of "Output vs. Outcome" comes from the product world, specifically methodologies like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or Lean Product Development. It’s about distinguishing between what we produce (output) and the meaningful results we achieve (outcome).

For example, product teams often focus on shipping features that look great and work well. But the real question is: Are these features solving a problem? Are they creating value?

Having worked with several startups over the past years, I can tell you that answering these questions is far from easy. Companies often prioritize constant delivery to meet deadlines, appease stakeholders, or stay competitive—even when there’s little evidence that these efforts are driving real impact.

We could spend hours discussing frameworks, methodologies, and strategies to ensure we prioritize outcomes over outputs in a work setting. But today, I want to take this concept beyond work and into our personal lives.

From Product Teams to Personal Growth

Just like companies, we often find ourselves in "output mode" in our daily lives—doing for the sake of doing, moving without a clear sense of direction. Life moves fast, and it’s not always possible to stop and reflect before acting. But I believe that having a vision—an idea of what you truly want—helps you act with intention and purpose.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a creative, growth-oriented person who enjoys challenging yourself in life and work. So here’s a challenge for you: think back to times when you acted on autopilot versus times when you paused, thought things through, and approached something with purpose. How different were the results? How different did those experiences feel?

For me, the way I’ve addressed this over the years is by creating a simple ritual: at the start of each year, I write down a list of everything I want to accomplish. Some of these goals are within my control; others depend on external factors and come with a dose of uncertainty. But this process helps me visualize what matters to me. It gives me clarity and makes it easier to align my decisions with the outcomes I want to achieve.

It’s not an exact science, of course, but it works for me. It’s my way of avoiding "output mode" and focusing on results that bring me closer to where I want to be. For you, the approach might look entirely different. Maybe you journal, create vision boards, or simply take time each month to reflect. The point is to stop improvising your way through life and take ownership of your direction. That way, when life presents you with choices, you can confidently pick the path that aligns with your goals.

Your Turn

Here’s my challenge for you: take 10 minutes to write down what you want to achieve this year—not just what you want to do, but the outcomes you care about most and reflect on the "why" behind each goal. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t need all the answers upfront. The goal is simply to shift your mindset from output mode to outcome mode—because when you focus on the things that truly matter, you’re more likely to make progress that feels meaningful.

Plan, think, act—and enjoy the journey. Simple enough, right?

I’ll let you take it from here.

Cheers!