The two faces of goal-setting: Process vs Outcome

We all want to achieve things in life. But when I really think about it, there are fundamentally two approaches to goals:

• Outcome goals that define a destination (save $10,000, run a marathon, learn a new language)
• Process goals that define daily actions (set aside $25 daily, run three times weekly, practice vocabulary for 15 minutes each morning)

It's not just about having something to aim for. It's about creating a system that naturally moves you toward what you want.

We always measure our success in terms of outcomes. It's convenient, sure. Everyone understands it, it's easy to explain to others, and it gives us that motivational finish line.

But is it always the best way?

What happens when motivation dips or life throws unexpected challenges our way? It's like trying to reach a destination without a map or vehicle.

And then there's the whole process approach. Some goals are easier to achieve when we focus less on the end result and more on consistent actions. For example, stress reduction: When we focus on process, we don't need to fixate on results. We just follow the system, or the plan. Execution becomes automatic, not emotional. There's something freeing about that, isn't there?

There is another advantage, that of habit formation: Outcome goals are temporary by nature. Once achieved, motivation often fades. Process goals, though? They turn actions into consistent habits — part of who we are.

Let's be honest, motivation fluctuates like crazy. Here, setting some kind of process goals through systems provide structure even when energy is low. It's like charging your phone - you don't debate whether to do it, you just plug it in when needed. Crazy to think we hardly need motivation to charge our phone!

Indeed, small actions, repeated consistently, create massive results over time. A daily ten-minute language practice becomes 60 hours of learning in a year.

So, how do we apply this? I've been experimenting with transforming traditional goals into process-focused systems. For example, instead of "Save $10,000 this year," I focus on "Transfer $25 to savings daily and review expenses every Sunday."

Rather than "Get better at photography," I commit to "Take 10 photos every day and study one technique each week."

In place of "Write a novel," try to "Write 500 words every morning before checking email or social media."

Instead of "Build stronger relationships," you can simply call one friend or family member each day for a 10-minute catch-up.

The list go on.. you just simply go and make your list! Now!

So, start ridiculously small: Choose an action so easy it's impossible to skip, one small action at a time!

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