Goals can fall into two categories:
Outcome Goals: I want to lose 10 lbs, run a marathon in under 3 hours, become a manager.
Process Goals: I will eat light and healthy, exercise and weigh myself daily or I will run 5 miles at least 5 days a week or I will give myself the equivalent of an MBA in the next 2 years by reading 10 pages a day of relevant books.
Process goals are important both because we have more control over process than we do over outcomes and because small steps are less intimidating, more manageable. Big outcome goals are terrific for motivation but can be far off, the micro-wins of process goals can give more frequent positive feedback.
Also, most goals do not have to be all or nothing. Many outcomes, even if they did not get us all we were going for, can still be built upon. I find baseball a useful analogy: goals/outcomes can range from 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, home run and home run with the bases loaded. While I always prefer the home run, any outcome can be built upon and those who might find ‘home run with the bases loaded’ as a solitary goal overwhelming find solace in knowing that 1st base is an acceptable stepping stone and that reduced anxiety often helps them achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Closing Quotes:
“Professionals stick to the schedule; amateurs let life get in the way.” – James Clear, Atomic Habits
“Hold the vision. Drop the excuses. Remember your why. Swerve around obstacles. Trust the process. Happiness and success will find you.” – Karen Salmansohn
“Every result or goal you want to achieve is preceded by a process. The secret to success is to remain unconditionally committed to your (day-to-day) process without being emotionally attached to your (day-to-day) results.” – Hal Elrod, The Miracle Morning
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier
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