Success through setting process goals

When it comes to goal setting, we generally think in terms of product goals. "I will achieve _______." Here's an article that stresses the importance of another kind of goal - process goals.

The target audience of the article is gymnastics coaches, but the insights apply just as well to your career.

There are two kinds of goals: product and process. A product goal is what you are going to achieve... A process goal is what we will do to get it, which means developing a "prescription for success." This is a plan that the gymnasts will follow very closely in their daily work habits and periodically evaluate themselves on. The gymnasts need to fall in love, not with what they are trying to accomplish, but with the process of accomplishing it.

...If we could teach our gymnasts about the importance of process, as opposed to product, that tool would help them obtain success with life. "You do not focus on your destination until you get there. Until then, you keep your eye on the map."

What kinds of process goals could you set to achieve the career of your dreams? How can you be in the moment and keep your eye on the map? The author describes the "3 to 5 method" he uses with his gymnasts. The basic idea is, if you focus on doing the little things right, big things will naturally result.

I have had success with gymnastics teams setting three to five process goals every time they practice and compete. For example, when a gymnast goes into a meet she can set the process goal of, "I will specifically increase my breathing and focus out of my head and on the task when initiating my vault." And conversely, "I will slow down my breathing and relax my body using the self-talk phrase focus when attempting and performing on the beam." These goals are not worried about results or product–that will take care of itself. They are focused on what to do.

And my favorite bit of advice...BE DELUSIONAL (Ha! There's the secret to my success!)

Research says there is something valuable about being a bit delusional. Actually, those who inflate the view they have of themselves tend to be happier. In comparison, those who see themselves realistically tend to be depressed.

For gymnasts, seeing themselves in a positive light and believing they are good helps them become that vision. They strive for being what they think they are. They do not become champions. They are champions and simply are being what they think they are.

This all boils down to this, gymnasts must think highly of themselves to become champions. To do this, have them visualize being champions. Have them write it somewhere so they can see it constantly. Let them know a champion isn't something they will become, it is something they already are. We just need to climb up the steps of the process to help them get there.

Curt Rosengren
Passion Catalyst ^SM

Comments

[CoffeePot]

the idea of setting process goals is very true, very recently i was playing a game of squash with a new friend and was getting frustrated not able to control the game, i started off with a big loosing streak but as i started setting small process goals not caring for the end result i started to get back into the game.

i believe there is one more thing to all this and that is to enjoy the moment. Just smile to yourself as you go though it, i really dont know if it boosts your confidence or it just make you feel good over the whole thing, but feeling good about what you are doing , irrespective of the end result will carry you all the way.

[vishal]

its a fine article which shows importance of process rather than the goal itself. As an indian, I know how important it is to do your actions right and the result will take care if itself. Our religious leaders have always propogated the philosophy of KARMA ( that is action). They say dont worry about the outcome as far as you are doing the right thing.

The idea of visualising yourself as you are in terms of what you want to be is a great tool for sucess.

This is really a valuable insight on Goal setting and goal achieving.

[Sakaria]

Process and goal are the same thing. They dependent on each other. Ciao