Want to know if something is actually working? You need to understand two types of results.

Lagging Metrics — The Real Score
These are the actual results you can count — usually financial. Did the mission move forward? Did the community grow? They show up after the work is done. They're the truth teller.

Leading Metrics — The Early Signals
Things like downloads, followers, and engagement. These point toward future results — but they're not the results themselves. Falling in love with leading metrics without checking the lagging ones is a trap.

Facebook chased addiction metrics instead of real value — and caused serious harm. Don't confuse the signal for the destination.

The Dieting Analogy
Your belt feeling looser is a leading metric. But eventually, you have to step on the scale. You might feel great and still be sick. Same logic applies to everything you build.

The Weekly Discipline
Scan your problems quickly, address what matters, then get back to hunting — taking real shots at growing the pie. That's what separates winners from people who just stay busy.