Success Advice
Quit Focusing On The Outcome — A Simple Way To Get More Of What You Want.

Being obsessed with outcomes is messing up the chances you have to do more of the work you love.
The goal orientated world we live in preaches outcomes and in the business world that takes the form of KPI’s. Outcomes are like having dessert as the entree — it doesn’t make sense.
Much of my career has been focused on outcomes until I figured out how to get more of what I wanted.
The three phases I went through were these:
Part One: Hustle/work hard.
At the start, you don’t need any motivation towards an outcome you want in your life. Momentum happens because the sheer shine of your new idea does all of that for you.
When I first started blogging, the first fifty articles were the easiest to write. I had no expectations, audience or critics to tell me I was a moron. I’d sometimes write for eight hours at a time and it was easy to punch out 3000–4000 words with my eyes closed.
I preached the idea that you have to work hard because that’s what I was doing and thought “Well if I have to do so much work then everyone else should too.”
I still believe in working hard, but it’s not my only criteria anymore to enjoy life. Things have evolved and hard work alone is not enough.
Part Two: First success
In the first year of blogging, I had my first taste of success. I wrote an article that had 84,000 shares on Facebook.
I fell for the delusion that I’d be Tim Ferriss or someone of that stature within a few short months. Oh, how wrong I was…haha.
There were several more mini-successes after that, but there was a lot of nothingness in-between each milestone.
Part Three: The plateau
I spent much of my career on the internet trying to hustle, work harder than everybody else and produce as much content as I could.
Like anyone that has tried to focus on outcomes, there comes the inevitable part called ‘the plateau.’
Then there was a period where for about a year there was silence. I hit a major speed bump and wondered if writing about entrepreneurship was what I wanted to do.
Out of boredom from being single and hating my job, I kept going. There was still no change or progress for a while. I kept focusing on my goal but if the truth be told it didn’t really motivate me.
There were many times during this period of nothingness where I could have given up. Then, things started to change
Part Four: The realization
A man named Torio sent me a message one day saying I’d helped him.
From that moment, I stopped focusing on the outcome.
I discovered that focusing on the process was far more important. That process for me was giving everything I had to inspire one person. Step by step I just kept focusing on that goal.
It was the process of blogging I’d fallen in love with by accident.
Now all I concentrate on is following the process I’ve created and trying to be just 1% better every few months at helping people. I read, write, fail, get criticized, take risks and repeat.
What you learn is this:
Show up and commit to the process.
Quit trying to get something through an outcome-based approach and focus on helping people solve a problem. Every time you get to help someone it feels much better than achieving any goal.
Hitting 84,000 shares on that early Facebook post meant nothing compared to the entrepreneur who emailed me and didn’t commit suicide because of an article I wrote.
Expect nothing.
Focus on what you can give.
Enjoy the whole process.
If you want to increase your productivity and learn some more valuable life hacks, then join my private mailing list on timdenning.net
Did You Know
How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub
Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution. (more…)
Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
-
Research your topic at night.
-
Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
-
Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
-
A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
-
A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
Success Advice
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)
Success Advice
What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)
Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)
-
Health & Fitness4 weeks ago
The Surprising Link Between Exercise and Higher Income
-
Entrepreneurs4 weeks ago
What Makes an Entrepreneurial Leader? Traits of the World’s Best Innovators
-
Entrepreneurs3 weeks ago
The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025
-
Change Your Mindset3 weeks ago
7 Goal-Setting Mistakes That Are Secretly Sabotaging Your Success
-
Success Advice2 weeks ago
What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)
-
Success Advice2 weeks ago
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
-
Business1 week ago
The Entrepreneur’s Reading List That Transforms Ideas Into Empires
-
Business1 week ago
What Every Fitness Business Owner Needs To Know About Relocating Their Gym
2 Comments