We all have results we want to achieve. Many of us want to make more money, have stronger relationships, get in better shape/lose weight for example.
These are all positive things, and they help motivate us to pursue and take action toward our goals.
We learn to set goals at a very young age. A goal is a thing, the object of an ambition or intense desire. It’s easy to set goals, but it’s difficult to execute and achieve them because it requires us to shape and direct our effort and motivation.
We struggle with creating habits and systems to ensure we are making progress.
We also tie our happiness and satisfaction to the outcome of the goal itself, which can leave us in an endless pursuit of saying “I’ll be happy when I achieve X.”
In our driven and ambitious society, things we do seem to be measured by instant results. This is a problem as we focus so much on the results that if nothing is happening by the time deadline we set for ourselves, we give up.
We used to be taught to work hard, stay consistent and be patient to reach some level of success. But now it seems those principles are slowly becoming obsolete. But what would happen if we adjusted our mind set and instead of focusing so much on the result, we turn our attention to the process?
Being too goal-oriented; the paradox is that we cannot control the future and thus our outcome, but we can always control our progress through consistent action. So how do we create a goal-setting system that will help us not only get what we want, but also feel satisfied and motivated on a daily basis?
The trick is to stop focusing on the end point and instead start focusing on your process. If you can feel good about your daily actions working toward something important to you, it will help you stay on track.
Examples of a process surrounding a goal:
* Goal: Get in better shape/lose weight
Process: Gym 3 times a week, walk 15-30 minutes/day, meal planning/portion control.
* Goal: Run a marathon.
Process: Create and stick to a training program involving exercise, nutrition, and rest.
* Goal: Buy a house.
Process: Find a way to earn more money and create a budget to save money.
Goals are just a point on a map to start you moving in a different
direction. Results aren’t predictable or guaranteed with outcome goals. You are focusing on what you don’t have rather than what is under your control.
Process goals, on the other hand, are all about the process.
They are about doing the right thing, regardless of the outcome, knowing that the right activities will lead you to ultimate victory. Plus, a process is entirely under your control, is easily measurable and doable.
Then you are totally in charge of whether or not you reach your goal. Follow the process, and the results will usually come.
Look for ways to turn your desired results into process goals. Focus on the things you can control and that will set you up for long-term success.
Stick with a process for long enough to be sure if it works or not. Instead of waiting to celebrate until you achieve your results, celebrate every time you follow the process.
Every day you work to get better is a successful day. Know that even if your results take years to achieve, each step you take towards them is just as important.
Once you start down a new path you can kick back and enjoy the experience, the unknown, and even the setbacks.
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