Understanding the Importance of Process Over Results
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Uncontrollable
In life, it's essential to recognize that many outcomes are beyond our influence.
This thought mirrors the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, who stated, "Ambition ties your well-being to the actions of others, while sanity ties it to your own conduct." The only element of our lives we can genuinely control is our behavior, while the rest lies outside our grasp.
When I contemplate this idea, I envision myself on a basketball court, maneuvering past defenders toward the hoop. As I approach, I spot a teammate wide open in the corner. Although my instinct urges me to take the shot myself, I realize that passing to my open teammate is the more strategic choice. Whether he makes the basket or not isn't the main concern.
If you've ever shared your ideas online, worked with clients, or placed your efforts where they could be judged, you might have encountered this realization before. Worrying about results does not enhance performance; in fact, it often drains energy from the activities that lead to success.
Recently, I've faced a series of setbacks in my job that have been incredibly disheartening. Opportunities vanished, clients slipped away, despite my dedication to the right processes and doing my job correctly. However, as I reflect on these outcomes, which I certainly find unsatisfactory, I remain confident in the methods my team and I employed.
While it's tough to accept, I'm learning about 'The Process.'
Section 1.1: The Value of 'The Process'
Throughout my early career, I frequently heard various individuals — from athletes to artists — discuss the significance of 'the process.' Growing up in a sports environment, I understood the concept in theory. However, true comprehension requires time, patience, and perhaps a few hard lessons.
You cannot fully appreciate this mindset until you've experienced both victories and defeats. Liberating yourself from the anxiety of results and committing to the belief in the process is challenging. It demands a level of trust in something not immediately visible.
In a world fixated on results, where many of us are evaluated based on one key metric, focusing solely on the process necessitates considerable faith.
I've come to realize that to produce exceptional work, one must eliminate the fear of outcomes.
Section 1.2: A Lesson from Armando Galarraga
On June 2, 2010, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from achieving a perfect game — a rare feat for any pitcher. However, a critical call allowed a runner to reach base, which replay later confirmed should have been an out. This moment will forever resonate with Galarraga and the umpire involved. In today's game, technology would have corrected the mistake, securing Galarraga's perfect game.
What can we learn from this near-perfect game? The key takeaway is that we can only govern our own actions.
You cannot pitch any better than Galarraga did, even if the final score suggests otherwise. As Epictetus reminded us centuries ago, "You have control over your own thoughts and actions, but not over the thoughts and actions of others."
Chapter 2: Moving Past Disappointment
In your career or personal life, there will undoubtedly be moments when you execute the process flawlessly, yet the results still don't materialize as hoped. In these times of frustration, it's crucial to quickly remind yourself that the path to overcoming disappointment is to prevent further energy loss. Cut the 'what if' scenarios immediately and redirect your focus back to your craft.
If necessary, review your process. Conduct a brief analysis to identify areas for growth.
Then, move forward.
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The first video "Alan Jackson - The Older I Get (Official Audio)" reflects on the wisdom gained over time, echoing the sentiments of learning through experience.
The second video "Sasha Alex Sloan - Older (Lyric Video)" beautifully portrays the journey of embracing maturity and the lessons learned along the way.