Are You Chasing Vanity Metrics?

Focus and Growth: Are You Chasing Vanity Metrics?

Last week, I taught a leadership and team-building class for founders at 1909, a vibrant co-working community in Palm Beach. During the session, one founder asked a critical question: "How do I know if I’m focused on the right thing?"

My answer was direct: "Is there growth?"

If there’s no growth, you’re likely focused on the wrong thing. As the saying goes, "If you’re not growing, you’re dying." But what if you’re striving for growth yet feel stuck or frustrated because the results aren’t showing?

As many of you know, I’m a strong advocate for measurement. Metrics provide an objective way to understand if you’re on the right track. But here’s the problem: Not all metrics matter. Some are just vanity metrics—they make you feel accomplished but don’t drive meaningful progress.

Consider this analogy: If you want to become a great tennis player, you might focus on having the best shoes and the most expensive racket. But your game doesn’t improve. Those are vanity metrics. They look impressive but don’t make you a better player.

So, how do you ensure you’re not wasting time on vanity metrics?

1. Reflect: What is the actual outcome you want to achieve?

2. Evaluate: Does this activity directly contribute to that result?

3. Eliminate Noise: If you have to justify its impact, it probably doesn’t have one.

   
   

Growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what truly moves you forward. Know your true metric.