When we set goals, measurement often has us thinking about outcomes.
We define what we want to achieve.
Yet, the what typically doesn’t help us with the how.
If we switch our perspective to process goals, we fill in the how.
Outcome goals look like this:
- Write a book.
- Get a promotion.
- Lose weight.
- Run a marathon.
Process goals look like this:
- Write 500 words a day.
- Demonstrate leadership everyday through current projects.
- Exercise 30 minutes per day.
- Increase run distance by 1 mile each week.
The first list is the outcome.
The second list provides the process.
Often, process habits become the foundation habits of our days.
Something done everyday makes regular progress toward the desired outcome.
Your Turn
Are your goals currently outcome or process?
How could you shift one outcome goal to a process goal?
What is a new process goal you would like to add to your day?