The Value of Process-Based Goals
I don’t know about you, but I like having goals.
I’d even go so far as guess that most of us identify as “goal-oriented” people. Lately, I’ve become curious about different types of goals and how we could benefit from shifting the types of goals we set for ourselves.
Think of a goal that you set for yourself recently and haven’t yet attained.
Chances are, we could characterize that goal as being one of two different types:
Is your goal an “outcome-based goal”? This type of goal directly names the outcome that you hope to achieve / experience. Get a promotion, be in the top 10% of revenue generators in your division, lose 20 lbs, bench your body weight . . . these are all outcome-based goals.
Or …
Is your goal a “process-based goal”? This type of goal specifies a behavior that you want to perform consistently. Arrive on time for meetings, reach out to clients at least once a week, exercise at least 3 times a week, routinely ask for and give feedback, review the next day’s meeting materials the night before . . . these are all process-based goals.
Most of my goals have been outcomes-based, but lately, I’ve been seeing the value of shifting toward more process-based goals. Don’t worry, I’m not recommending we abandon our desired outcomes! On the contrary, when done well, the shift to process-based goals support the desired outcome better than an outcome-based goal alone.
Consider these benefits of process-based goals:
✅ More within your control day-to-day. There are a lot of variables that determine whether a desired outcome will happen. Let’s focus on the ones that we can control.
✅ Promote behavior changes. If we want a different outcome, we can either sit around and hope we get lucky such that external events cause the outcome to come our way, or we can change our behavior to influence the result.
✅ Break down larger outcome goals into more attainable pieces. Doing so helps us to see progress early and reinforces good behavior.
✅ Encourage consistency and lead toward sustainability. Inevitably we will get knocked off our process or otherwise thwarted as we seek our goal — “life happens.” Process-based goals condition us to seek consistency and give us a greater chance of getting back on track when we get knocked off. Over time, this consistency leads to sustainable habits and goal attainment.
Think back to your goal – if it is outcome-based, build a behavioral process you could commit to that will help you achieve it. Do this for a few weeks and see how you progress toward the initial outcome-based goal.
Remember – goals should not simply be outcomes you hope to happen. Find your role in that desired outcome and commit to a process of behavior changes to influence that result. Chances are you’ll get there faster and feel more satisfied along the way.
To speak more, connect with me here or by writing john@aconnectedcoach.com