T1: Relationship between input, output and efficiency in our life

Macro Perspective

Mathematically speaking, Efficiency = Output/Input

Let me explain how, we can replicate the above simple formula in our real lives too.

Efficiency is a very important facet which we Indians generally ignore, we keep pumping more and more input, without checking the variation in output, and hence excess input in terms of time, energy, etc. is wasted, which we otherwise would have invested somewhere else.

We should actually try to measure our efforts and outcome thereof in terms of efficiency, and our endeavor should be to keep increasing the same.

In my opinion there are only two methods to increase our efficiency,

i)                    Increase the numerator (Output +)

ii)                   Decrease the denominator (Input -)

It to be noted that the limit of measurement of efficiency is between 0 to 100% (since it is a ratio or percentage to be precise)

Micro Perspective

Some finer points to explain above two methods:

-          The output parameter that is fixed is success or failure.

-          The input parameter that is fixed and constantly running (i.e. increasing the denominator) is time.  (It is to be noted that time is the most important parameter, having highest weight age in efficiency determination.  Einstein even proved time having a separate dimension altogether)

-          All mortals like us have to pass through above most important parameters.

-          Broadly, output is bi-dimensional or binary, i.e. either success or failure.

-          There are jargons like partial success or partial failure, juggling the efficiency between 0 to 100.

-          Input is multi-dimensional, i.e., time, energy (both physical, emotional), opportunity cost, etc.

Cases Studies

-          There are certain cases wherein output is so big that any amount of input considering successful achievement of output will make efficiency = 100%.

(Of course remembering time as a limited factor)

Ex: Successful achievement of one’s life objective. i.e. preparing and successfully achieving one’s goal of becoming an IAS officer.

(It is to be noted that generally life’s objective varies, during different phases of lifecycle. In such cases, input time is defined as phase duration time)

-          There are cases wherein output is fixed. So our endeavour in such cases should be to get the output in least amount of input/efforts and of course time.

Ex: Fixed monthly salary against a repetitive and learning stagnation job. In such cases our effort should be to get the output (salary) in least amount of efforts and office time. Extra time should only be devoted for learning or earning and nothing else.

-          There are cases wherein output is directly proportional to input. In such cases, identity the target output (as it is infinite) and act as per the same.

Ex: A practicing doctor etc. who may earn in proportion to his invested inputs i.e. time, however, he has to also look for balancing his other needs also.