Inputs are the things that we control - how we approach a situation, the due diligence that we do, the preparation and the effort we put in, the thoroughness we bring.

Outputs are a function of the inputs and some extrinsic variables that we do not control - luck, environmental factors.

Outputs are what really matter to us. It is the consequences of the actions we take and the end result of the paths we choose. 

However, even a chimpanzee hits the bulls-eye once in a while while a professional dart-thrower misses by a mile once in a while. 

Our focus should be on optimising and standardising our inputs to maximise the probability of achieving desirable outputs.

The outputs themselves are a consequence. 

We shouldn't beat ourselves up over them.