Strength is the one physical quality that will have positive effects on pretty much every other physical quality. It will make you faster, jump higher, improve cardiovascular performance, prevent injury, improve power output, improve quickness, better coordination, build more muscle, lose more fat, increase bone density and the list goes on. On the contrary, spending too much time on a quality like aerobic endurance can have negative effects on strength and other qualities (if not programmed properly). Strength is the root quality that needs to be developed regardless of goals, plain and simple!
So, forget all of the garbage. Forget about counting your calories down to a t (unless you need to for some specific reason of course, i.e. bodybuilding show), forget about worrying about how many calories you are burning during a workout, forget about what the latest magazine said about the "new" workout that will shed 20 pounds in 2 days, forget about what the skinny fat self proclaimed commercial gym "expert" says about the 20 supplements and 30 hours of cardio you supposedly need to do every week, forget about what your friend's dad's doctor told him about exercise and focus on getting stronger. Set some goals in the big bang exercises. Try to add 20 pounds to your squat or deadlift. Try to do 10 pullups with your bodyweight. Try to press or row 10 more pounds. Add another plate to the sled. Push the prowler for 2 more rounds with ten more pounds. Push yourself past limits and gain STRENGTH. If you do this, you are guaranteed to make progress and get results. You will build more muscle, you will lose more fat, you will perform better on the field, you won't get hurt picking up a pencil and you will grow stronger as a person both mentally and physically.
If you feel lost with your training, simplify things. Just get stronger!!! And like I always say, consult a qualified professional to at least set you on the right path with programming and technique. LIVE STRONG BABY!!