Achievable Wins

Success is often misunderstood as just reaching a final destination. Whether it’s personal or professional goals, we tend to put immense pressure on ourselves to achieve them no matter what. When we stumble or lose our way in the process, we can be really hard on ourselves, forgetting that these challenges are part of the journey of ultimately getting to where we want or need to be. Instead of focusing solely on the end result, it’s important to remember that the steps we take along the way matter just as much, if not more.

Consider the words of Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson:

Don’t judge every day by the harvest you reap, but the seeds you plant.?

Humans, by nature, are goal-setting machines because our brains are wired for growth and progress. Goals give us direction and purpose, helping us navigate the complexities of life. They provide a framework for measuring our achievements and fuel our motivation to improve. Most of us, at our core, seek meaning and fulfilment and setting realistic, relevant, and purposeful goals helps to move us toward a more optimistic future. Envisioning a better future keeps us on track and motivated to become the best version of ourselves possible.?

This desire to improve is hardwired into us and is directly tied to our survival instincts. In ancient times, adapting and striving for better resources or social status increased our chances of thriving. Today, while our challenges may look vastly different than those of our distant ancestors, that same drive for improvement—whether in personal relationships, career aspirations, or self-development—helps us create a sense of achievement and satisfaction in our lives.?

This whole process also consistently taps into our neurochemistry. By pursuing goals that matter to us, we activate the release of dopamine, reinforcing our motivation and making the journey toward our aspirations feel much more rewarding. This powerful cycle not only fuels our progress, it also deepens the connection we have to ourselves and the world around us, driving us to become the best versions of who we can be.?

Having goals can transform our aspirations into actionable steps, helping to push us toward the future we want for ourselves. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to recognize that the path to improvement is not always linear. Embracing setbacks as part of the journey allows us to learn and grow, ultimately making our achievements even more meaningful. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, we can cultivate the resilience and adaptability needed to stay on track. ?

One of my mentors, Dr. Michael Gervais, a well-known performance psychologist for some of the most elite athletes in the world, lives his life through his personal philosophy statement which is:?

Every day is an opportunity to create a living masterpiece.?

I always keep Michael’s quote close to my own heart as it’s an important reminder that our goals are not just destinations, but powerful catalysts for personal transformation and deeper fulfilment.?

What does it actually mean to focus on the process when it comes to achieving personal or professional goals?

The answer lies in how we approach each day and every step along the way. It’s about finding value in small actions, celebrating progress, and recognizing that each moment contributes to the larger vision we have for ourselves. Since everyone’s journey is unique, shaped by different circumstances, comparing ourselves to others becomes not only unproductive but impossible.

To illustrate, let me share the stories of three people I know well who are each taking consistent steps toward their desired future. As you’ll see, their contexts differ greatly.

Person A: After being diagnosed with cancer, the journey through chemotherapy has been gruelling. Working in the medical field, they understand the critical importance of physical activity. With a clear desire for full recovery and a long, healthy life, they now focus on two small, achievable goals each day: going for a long walk and drinking more water. By committing to these daily actions, they believe they’re setting themselves up for physical and mental healing, inching closer to their recovery.

Person B: This individual has faced many ups and downs in their leadership journey, with the past few years presenting significant professional challenges. While they know they have the heart of a good leader, they also recognize they’ve lost their way and fractured some important relationships at work. Determined to improve, they’ve made it their mission to rebuild trust.?

Every day, they now focus on strengthening connections with their team, listening more, and reacting less. By prioritizing empathy and thoughtful actions, they’re fostering an environment where their team feels valued, slowly regaining their footing as a more impactful leader.

Person C: A high-performing athlete, this person was once on the verge of abandoning their sport after a series of disheartening losses. Over time, and through many conversations, they’ve shifted their mindset away from a singular focus on ‘being the best.’ Instead, they now embrace the process of self-discovery and understanding what it takes to overcome doubt. With tangible daily and weekly goals, they’ve cultivated a more resilient mindset and significant physical improvement, leading them to national-level competitions and now close to becoming number one in their country in their division.

In closing

Though the above stories are based on completely different contexts, the common thread is clear: each has prioritized short-term goals, grounding themselves in routines that create continuous progress toward the bigger picture they envision.

As you reflect on your own life, what is it you might be trying to achieve more long term? What personal and professional goals are you prioritizing and how are you breaking down these goals so that you are more process driven rather than being too consumed with what it is you want to achieve??

Here are three quick reminders to help you stay on track:?

1. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the little achievements along your journey. Each small step contributes to your overall progress and helps maintain motivation. Acknowledging these victories reinforces your commitment and reminds you that every effort counts.
2. Focus on the Process: Shift your attention from the end goal to the daily actions that lead you there. Embrace the journey and the lessons it brings. By valuing the process, you cultivate resilience and adaptability, making it easier to navigate challenges along the way.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when setbacks occur. Understand that they are a natural part of growth. Instead of harsh self-criticism, view these moments as opportunities to learn and adjust your approach, keeping your long-term vision in sight.

By integrating these principles into your life, you can create a sustainable path toward your aspirations while finding fulfillment in the journey itself. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the destination, but becoming the person you want to be along the way. Hope you enjoyed this article. Please share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from reading it.