Be Process Oriented Not Goal Oriented
Next level your success in all areas of life.
It's about 4:00 am, and I am in a prone pushup position in the dark. I have already knocked out 65 pushups in a row, but on this day, the goal is 95, and I'm just not feeling it. Then as I'm breathing heavily, considering dropping to my knees, I remember that just yesterday I knocked out 94, the day before that 93, and so on. So I buckle up and pound out the last 30 pushups.
At this article's publication, I'm right now amid a 100-day pushup challenge. By day 100, I will be knocking out 100 pushups without stopping. I'm doing this on the heels of completing a 100-day coding challenge. I'm now a disciple of a process-oriented mindset instead of a goal-setting mindset. It has done wonders for me. It will do wonders for you too.
Imagine a life where success isn't just a distant goal but a daily reality, where your journey becomes a source of accomplishment. Today, I'm here to unveil a paradigm shift that promises to revolutionize how you approach success, whether you're a student, a working professional, or anyone at any age seeking purpose and fulfillment. It's not about chasing elusive goals; it's about embracing a process-oriented mindset that empowers you to make meaningful progress daily.
We often worship at the feet of goal-setting regarding business and personal development. I have found it just doesn’t work for me, and study after study shows it doesn’t work for most people either. Society parrots incessantly setting clear and specific goals is the key to unlocking achievement. However, have you ever noticed that despite setting goals, many of us never realize these goals? There is a better way. I challenge you to shift your mindset and become process-oriented instead of goal-oriented.
Listen to a podcast on this topic as I deep dive into this subject.
When you focus solely on goals, you will encounter several pitfalls:
The temptation to set arbitrary and unrealistic goals: Your emotions can get in the way of objective thinking. Goals can sometimes be arbitrary or unrealistic, setting you up for disappointment when you fail to achieve them.
Goals bring higher external validation and pressure to progress: Goals often tie success to external markers like recognition or wealth. Relying solely on external validation can lead to frustration if these outcomes don't materialize as expected. This drive for validation increases stress and pressure. A process mindset puts you up against you--daily.
Goals are infamous for motivational loss over time: Pursuing long-term goals can demotivate, as the desired outcomes might feel distant and unattainable. How many times have you set goals and, in short-order lost focus and enthusiasm? Those dreams out there, somewhere, tend to lead to failure.
In contrast, becoming process-oriented flips on a different switch in your mind.
Embracing a process-oriented approach means shifting your focus from the end goal to the journey itself. Here are six reasons why this shift is worth considering, even if, on the surface, you think the difference isn't worth your time. A process-oriented mindset does the following:
It aligns your actions with values: Prioritizing processes ensures that your daily activities align with your core values and long-term aspirations. This alignment creates a sense of purpose on the micro level and motivates you to take consistent action.
It encourages consistent growth: Processes provide a steady progress and development roadmap. Minor, incremental improvements made consistently over time lead to remarkable results.
It creates sustainable habits: Process-oriented thinking promotes the development of sustainable practices. Instead of intense bursts of activity followed by burnout, you'll cultivate sustainable actions over the long haul.
It develops resilience when change hits: Life is unpredictable, and circumstances change. Emphasizing processes equips you with adaptable strategies to navigate challenges and continue progressing.
It worked for me.
The power of being process-oriented became evident through my 100-day challenges. Taking one step at a time, consistently and intentionally, allowed me to achieve remarkable results. For instance, in my 100-day coding challenge, daily dedicating a small amount of time enabled me to acquire new skills gradually. Similarly, my 100-day pushup challenge showcased the power of incremental progress, with each day's effort contributing to a significant achievement.
I dedicated about 60 minutes daily to the process of my coding challenge. The pushup challenge required about 5 minutes a day. You can implement these types of functions into your schedule easily.
In conclusion, while goals are valuable, focusing solely on them usually leads to disappointment and demotivation. Embracing a process-oriented mindset shifts your attention from the end goal to the day-by-day grind, which ultimately leads to achieving big goals. This approach fosters sustainable habits, resilience, and personal growth. You pave the way for continuous improvement and meaningful accomplishments by taking consistent, intentional steps daily.
So, I invite you to accept the challenge – explore the power of being process-oriented. Whether it's fitness, learning, or any other endeavor, shift your focus from distant goals to actionable steps. Celebrate the progress you make every day and embrace the journey as the true essence of success. Remember, success is not just a destination; it's the transformative journey you embark on.
Resources:
Jake You. “Process Oriented vs. Goal Oriented (From a Traveling Artist).” jakeyou.com. 12 Feb 2023. LINK to the article.
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