Process over Outcome

In 2016 I wrote my first (and only) book mainly because I was disappointed over an opportunity that didn’t work out. I had wanted to write a book for a long time, and the sting of this particular event was the last nudge of motivation I needed to commit to the process.

The process. Ugh. When most of us think of the goals and aspirations in our life – we focus on the outcomes! Winning the championship. Getting a promotion. Losing 20 pounds. The outcome is what excites us. But thinking of the outcome doesn’t mean anything until we focus on the process.

The process. You know, the actual “work” that is required. Fitness clubs are a lot quieter in February than January. The outcome is motivating at first, but results take time, and constantly looking at the finish line gets real discouraging from our current standpoint. “How will I ever get there?”

My friend, and soon-to-be best-selling author Trevor Moawad has a new book called It Takes What It Takes. Trevor is one of the best mental coaches in the game (pun intended). His new book is a must-read! He has elevated cultures like Alabama and Georgia football around the idea of focusing on the process – not the outcome.

For me, this is what it breaks down to.

An outcome is essentially a goal.

The process is a plan!

Most outcomes in life we can’t control. There are too many factors outside of us that also come into play. Tom Brady can’t control the outcome, but he has tremendous influence over the result.

We cannot control an outcome, but focusing on the process gives us tremendous influence on the result.

We have influence over a promotion by how we consistently show up and perform. But we can’t control our boss.

We have influence over losing 20 pounds, but we can’t control how our body responds to our nutrition and exercise.

We have influence over our marriage, but we can’t control how our spouse is going to respond.

Focusing on the process requires identifying the consistent behaviors and action that leads to successful outcomes. But the focus needs to be on the daily process. The New England Patriots simply remind their players to “Do Your Job!” That’s it. You know what your role requires, so do it, and do it well. Don’t get distracted with the outcome. Focus on what you can control, this moment, and trust the results will come.

Not only is this approach to process more simple, it’s also more powerful. Because the outcomes and goals we desire are often smaller than what we are capable of when we simply focus on committing to the process.

I decided to write my book because I was supposed to fly out and deliver a leadership session to the United States Men’s National Soccer Team. They ended up changing their schedule, and as a result my session got cut.

In addition to writing the book I also decided I needed to leave my job at the time and bet on myself. It was a scary scenario, but I knew that in order to reach some of my goals I needed to make the leap. For the last 5 years I have been working with companies, teams, and schools on the mindset and principles that help create high-performing and healthy cultures. It has not been a smooth path, but it has been worth it.

I have committed myself to working and focusing on the action and steps needed to make it as a speaker and performance coach. I have very specific goals (outcomes) in mind, but there is no way I would have stayed in the game this long without committing to the day-to-day process. Because where I was and where I want to be – the gap would have been too intimidating to stay with it.

Focusing on the process means surrendering our control of the results and trusting in the consistency of the work. It’s that consistency and perseverance over time that does the real work. This is what makes the outcome possible.

So, exactly 5 years to the month of not getting to work with the National Team, I got a phone call from the new head coach. He invited me to come work with the team, not just for a session or two, but for the foreseeable future as they try to qualify for the next World Cup.

And do you know how he knew about my work?

He read my book.

Sometimes reality is better than our own imagination. This opportunity didn’t open up because I have been thinking about it every day and waiting for a phone call. In fact, it wasn’t even on my conscious radar. I have kept myself busy doing my work, getting better, and trying to add value wherever I go – and dedicating my energy to the process!

The last 5 years have been all about the process. The outcome just happens to be greater than my dreams.

What are your goals? But more importantly, tell me about your process!

If you want to talk with Travis about the culture and mindset of your organization or team - click on the link below!