It’s easy to find ourselves tangled in the web of outcomes. In a world that prizes results, there’s an almost instinctive drive to zero in on the final destination. We measure ourselves by what we achieve, by the titles we wear, the deals we close, the milestones we hit. And somewhere in that relentless pursuit, the quiet yet pervasive anxiety over the unknown – the unpredictable outcome – begins to take root. The thought of not knowing how it will all pan out gnaws at us, pulling our attention away from the present, siphoning joy from the journey, and, often, leaving us too depleted to celebrate when we finally do reach that coveted outcome.

Here’s the paradox: the more energy we expend worrying about an outcome, the more distant it becomes. Worry masquerades as preparation. We trick ourselves into thinking that by endlessly playing out scenarios, by stewing over potential missteps, we are somehow better equipped to handle the future. But if you’ve ever sat in that space, as I have – professionally, personally – you’ll know that excessive worry does little more than exhaust your spirit. The end result? You’ve arrived at the finish line, but with no energy left to enjoy the view. The victory feels hollow, the achievement tempered by the weight of the anxiety you carried throughout.

I’ve learned through years of teaching, mentoring, and personal experience that the outcome is rarely the point. It’s seductive, yes – the idea that you can control the future by obsessing over it. But there’s a profound shift that happens when you stop trying to grip so tightly and focus on what’s within your control. It’s a lesson that applies as much to leadership and business as it does to life. What matters more than the outcome is the framework you put in place to support the journey. It’s not about what you will achieve, but about how you go about achieving it. The more we shift our attention to this “how,” the more the “what” naturally falls into place.

Let’s start with the intent. Intent is the foundation on which everything else rests. Before you even begin chasing a goal, it’s vital to understand why that goal matters to you. What’s driving you? Intent is more than just the vague notion of wanting success; it’s about digging deep to understand your motivations. If the intent is clear, you’ve already succeeded in charting the right course. Without it, even the most well-executed plan will feel directionless. This is the question I ask myself every time I embark on something new – whether it’s a new project, a personal goal, or even when guiding someone else: what is the real reason we are seeking this outcome? The clarity of intent acts like a compass, keeping you aligned when external distractions threaten to pull you off track.

Then there’s the effort you put into it. This is something we can all control, and it’s where many of us falter. We worry so much about the end result that we forget the only thing that’s truly in our hands is the work we put in today, right now. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about pouring in effort. It’s about purposeful effort. Anyone can run around ticking off tasks, but effort without intent is just busywork. The right kind of effort requires discipline – showing up, doing the work, and being consistent even when motivation wanes. This is where your focus should be, because when you channel your energy into meaningful effort, outcomes have a way of taking care of themselves.

There’s also something to be said about the company you keep along the way. So often we think of success as a solo venture, but in reality, the people you choose to surround yourself with – your team, your mentors, your supporters – play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Collaboration is more than just delegation or teamwork; it’s about carefully selecting those whose values align with your own, people who challenge you when needed, and lift you when necessary. I’ve learned over time that success is never a singular effort. The outcome is often a reflection of the relationships you’ve nurtured along the way.

Another critical element is understanding the benefit of the outcome you seek. What is it that you truly hope to gain? And is that benefit aligned with the sacrifices you’re making? Often, we become so fixated on achieving a particular goal that we lose sight of why we wanted it in the first place. If the benefit no longer holds the value it once did, is it still worth pursuing? This level of introspection is necessary to ensure that your journey isn’t just about chasing something for the sake of having it but for the real, tangible gains it brings to your life or to those around you.

And then there’s the process – the multi-stage journey that every significant achievement inevitably becomes. Rarely is success a straight shot; more often than not, it’s a series of phases, each feeding into the next. The outcome of today’s work will serve as the foundation for tomorrow’s progress. It’s a process of building, layer by layer, step by step. If you focus too much on the distant future, you lose sight of the importance of each individual stage. Success, in my experience, is about mastering the stage you’re in while keeping an eye on how it contributes to the larger journey.

When all of these pieces are in place – intent, effort, discipline, support, a clear understanding of the benefit, and an appreciation for the stage you’re in – worrying about the final outcome becomes unnecessary. At this point, you’ve done everything you need to do to set yourself up for success. And beyond that, fretting over “what ifs” only serves to pull you out of the present moment, to divert your energy from the very things that are within your control. You’ve laid the groundwork; the outcome will unfold in its time.

Letting go of that worry isn’t about becoming complacent – it’s about trusting the process you’ve committed to. There is power in knowing that you’ve done the work, that you’ve shown up with the right intentions and the right actions. It frees you from the suffocating need to control every outcome and allows you to be fully present in the journey, which, in the end, is where the real growth happens.

I’ve lived this process time and again, and if there’s one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s that the outcome isn’t what matters most. Yes, it’s gratifying when it all comes together, but the real success lies in who you become along the way. When you stop worrying about the finish line, you open yourself up to the richness of the experience, and that, more than any specific achievement, is the ultimate reward.