Want to achieve your goals? Stop focusing on results!

When most of us set goals, it is easy to get lured into the trap of focusing on the results we want. In this video, learn why (and how) a process-orientation is actually better for goal achievement.

Video Transcript

This transcript has been slightly modified and formatted to ease readability

One of the best things you can build in the new year to help you achieve your goals is a good process because with a good process, you can build anything.

Let's talk about it.

Hi, my name is Anthony Sanni and on # beenthinking I share productivity and personal development insights to help you achieve your best in life, career and business.

And on this episode, I want to talk about the power of a good process in helping you achieve your goals.

One of my favorite quotes on goals is actually not directly about goals. It's the quote…

It takes many years to create an overnight success.

 I like this quote so much because it reminds me that often what people see on the outside as success usually, an event that signifies success is really the result of a process that has been going on, usually behind closed doors, and usually

for much longer than we realize. The same is true for our goals. A goal accomplished is really the result of a process that has been going on for a long time.

People see the goal achieved, but they don't see the process. Yet without the process, there would be no results.

That is why as we get into the new year and you start to work on your goals, I want to encourage you to not fixate too tightly on the results of your goals.

And yes, I know, I know, result orientation is a big part of goal setting.

I mean, the 'R' in smart stands for... Result-oriented. And as good as results are, a better approach, indeed, an approach that helps you get those results is to focus not on the results, but on the process.

Ask yourself what kind of process will greatly increase the chances that I will achieve the results that I want?

This is good for many reasons.

A sense of control in pursuing your goals.

You see, you can't always control outcomes, but you can at least control your actions. And because process is linked,

not to outcomes, but your actions, you feel more in control, which is linked to your sense of well-being and also self-efficacy. I did a video on self efficacy related to goals. You might want to check it out. I'll put it on the screen here somewhere.

So that's the first reason!

Focus on becoming and not just achieving.

Another reason it works is because the person you become on the journey to achieve

 your goal is actually just as important—I would argue, maybe even more important—than the achievement of that goal and will in fact outlast the goal itself.

Becoming a person who dedicates time and effort to health and wellness is more valuable in the long run than, simply, say, losing 10 pounds.

Becoming a writer who produces a page of writing a day is more valuable in the long run than the goal of writing the first draft of a book.

Becoming a professional who invests time and effort consistently in learning is better than just completing an MBA or a new certification.

But while getting a sense of control through a process is great, and also becoming a better person through a process is definitely desirable, the real genius is that by committing to a process instead of fixating on a goal, you also increase the chances that you will actually achieve that goal.

But now it is more like a by-product, albeit a valuable by-product of becoming the kind of person that has or gets the kind of thing that you want.  But the question becomes, How do I create a good process?

I'm glad you asked.

Two approaches I recommend—output per time and input time. Let's unpack these with a few examples.

Let's use writing...

Output/Time Vs. Input/Time Processes for Your Goals

If you set an output time process such as, say, write 500 words every weekday in my office before noon, the output is the 500 words and you get immediate feedback. And by noon you can easily tell if you have 500 words or not.

Output per time is great for goals that give you immediate feedback.

But for something like exercise where you don't get immediate feedback. It's not like you're going to suddenly become ripped after 15 minutes of working out, or lose all the weight you want after 15 minutes on the treadmill.

 No! To something like that, I recommend what I call an input per time process because the feedback loop takes longer. So instead of sending an output process, you do an input process, say, for example, I will work out 45 minutes three times a week.

This is great for motivation, because as long as you do the process, as long as you do the input in the time... YOU WIN!

The healthy heart and bulging biceps, they'll come later naturally on their own in time.

As you might imagine, you can apply this principle beyond writing and exercise to other aspects of your life and your goals specifically for this year.

How many sales calls - output.

How many hours spent coding or debugging software, or spent with family - input.

How many words written - output. And so on...

Instead of the result of the goal, you focus on the process.

More deals closed. A killer software program. A happier home. Your finished book.

Work the process, and the product will come as a matter of course.

Until the next episode, I am Anthony Sanni encouraging you... BE your best DO your best, set processes. Don't think too much about results, and I will see you in the next video.

 Bye for now.