Principlev1

Track output metrics (throughput, quality, cycle time)

Track output metrics (throughput, quality, cycle time) rather than activity metrics to distinguish actual system health from busy-feeling productivity.

Why This Is a Principle

This derives from Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it (systems are designed for the results they get) and When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good (measures becoming targets). The principle prescribes measuring outcomes rather than inputs to avoid optimizing for feeling productive rather than being productive. It's actionable across many personal productivity contexts but more general than a specific rule like 'use these three metrics.'

Source Lessons

L-0986

Operational metrics

Track the key indicators of your operational health — throughput quality and cycle time.

L-0962

Measure your actual capacity

Track how much focused work you can actually do in a day before quality drops.

Connections

Derived From (4)

AxiomExternalization Exposes Hidden Structure AxiomHuman memory of task duration is systematically biased and AxiomWhen a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good AxiomEvery system is perfectly designed to get the results it

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