Life practices approach: Process and outcome

Be aware of the difference between process and outcome. All too often we set our sights on a goal and end up settling for being the person who is trying to do something.

It is surprisingly easy to get caught up in a process, especially one that takes a long time. The process itself can become a comfort zone, sometimes with like-minded people bonding over the challenges of trying to achieve something. Success for the achiever can become clouded with bittersweet celebrations because success means change and moving on. Leaving your support group can be tough when you’ve been through so much together. It is important to keep one foot in your outcome, looking ahead to what life will be like once you achieve your goal. As you make progress, picturing your current process and outcome as a sliding window will help with the transition to your goal and beyond it into your next goal. For example, if your goal is to reduce your body fat, you could achieve that milestone by way of adjusting:

• Exercise Routine
  • read up on techniques and practice at home
  • join a gym
  • hire a personal trainer
• Eating Habits
  • read about, and cook healthier foods
  • join a support group
  • consult with a dietician or wellness coach

Well-formed, outcome-based processes serve as a plan that could be used by someone else in the same circumstances.

Keep it simple: avoid making the process the outcome

A well-managed goal involves plotting the process in a goal-oriented manner. Breaking the goal into small steps serves as motivation, achieving small milestones along the way. You will know you have a well-formed plan when you could use it to delegate tasks to others.

Know your outcome and keep it in perspective

Outline the steps of your process; be as specific as possible

Keep motivated achieving small milestones

Celebrate and move on to your next goal!

Have you outlined your processes? What’s your outcome?