Performance Systems

The Difference Between Effort and Progress

Stop confusing activity with achievement. Discover how outcome-focused teams build momentum and deliver meaningful progress under pressure.

By Aaron Penwill, Founder of Crux Performance®

3 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Activity isn't achievement. Outcomes matter more than hours.
  • Teams confuse being busy with making progress.
  • Outcome-focused teams build momentum; task-focused teams spin.

Stop confusing activity with achievement. Effort feels productive, but progress is what counts.

Many teams work incredibly hard without moving forward. The problem isn't commitment. It's direction.

How to Focus on Progress

Define what 'done' looks like before starting. Measure outcomes, not inputs. Celebrate completion, not effort.

Regular check-ins should ask: What did we accomplish? Not: What did we do?

Focus on what matters

Crux helps teams shift from effort to impact.

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