We have been conditioned to think with a ‘results-oriented’ mindset since childhood. Our 12 years of mandatory education from elementary to high school judge everything based on exam results. No matter how hard you study, if the results are not good, you’re labeled as a poor student. Conversely, even if the process is ignored, if you do well on the test, you’re considered an excellent student. This thinking persists in college admissions and job hunting, further reinforcing the idea that results are more important than the process.
But what impact does this results-oriented mindset have on our lives? Today, we dive deep into this topic.
Problems with a Results-Oriented Mindset
A results-oriented mindset constantly keeps us anxious. We become accustomed to evaluating people based on visible outcomes such as academic credentials, jobs, and salaries, ignoring the sincerity and effort involved in the process. This way of thinking can also lead to valuing shortcuts as abilities.
The Importance of the Process
What happens when we shift from a results-oriented life to one that fully experiences the process? We free ourselves from the burden of results, allowing us to fully enjoy the present moment. The process of putting in our best effort becomes its own reward and joy. This way, we can do our best without worrying about the results. In fact, we can showcase our abilities without pressure and accept any outcome with grace.
Balancing Process and Result
Valuing the process should not be an excuse to avoid the result. It’s not desirable to emphasize the process to avoid taking responsibility for the outcome or to fear failure. Understanding that the process itself is rewarding, and accepting results is different from avoiding them.
Practical Ways to Live a Rewarding Process-Oriented Life
- Examine if you’re placing too much expectation on outcomes in your life, such as exams, projects, or job hunts. If your expectations are excessive, it may be a sign that you’re neglecting the process.
- While it’s important to strive for good results, practice celebrating the small joys and achievements you experience during the process, not just the outcome. Keeping a gratitude journal or a praise diary can be effective methods.
- Create activities that reward you and make you satisfied with the process itself, regardless of the outcome. Try drawing, singing, or taking pictures—activities you enjoyed as a child—where the act itself brings joy.
Conclusion
A life focused solely on results can make us anxious and stressed. However, a life that fully experiences and enjoys the process liberates us and allows us to truly live in the present. From now on, focus on the process rather than the outcome. Remember that true success lies not in the result but in the valuable experiences and lessons learned along the way.