Process or Results: Which Is More Important for Your Goals?

Both, using this iterative cycle from the 1930s

Photo by Nekhil R on Unsplash

It’s January, so that means every other podcaster has released an episode on How to Set Goals and Win in the last few weeks. And, adding to advice that will only work for the minority already dedicated to goal-setting and goal-getting, is the debate between Process and Results.

In this corner, we have Hal “Trust the Process” Elrod. No matter what, stick the process and you will ultimately have success. And in the other corner, it’s Benjamin “Only Results Matter” Hardy. Ahem. PhD. If you’re not getting results, ditch the process now.

I’ve listened to and used their guidance over the years. They are each joined by several other writers, talkers, and coaches. So neither is an outlier in the behavior change space. And both have achieved a level of success, so neither is incorrect. But if you’re just getting started on an improvement journey, in which camp will you pitch your tent?

So which is it? Process or Result?

If you’re just starting on a new path, such as exercise with a goal of toning up or changing eating habits with a goal of losing some weight, you will be changing your routine practices. That will require a new process. If you’re like…