It is all in the Process ... Follow It and Find the Treasure !!

Managing controllable variables effectively , leads to desired results ..!! This is a simple philosophy , which I would always recommend , to be pursued by everyone . However , in every dimension of personal and professional lives , there will be longer list of variables which can be classified as “ non – controllable “ variables . These are all the areas which are beyond our control hence while we can only focus on tasks related to it without being certain about the final results

So whether it is ; Revenue or Profitability Growth , Service or Operational Excellence , Optimization or Academic Excellence or others , there will always be a blended block of areas which we control , and those areas on which we have no control?. In such situations , if we need to accomplish ?outstanding results , our focus needs to be on , the Process of Accomplishing positive results ?, once “ Road Map “ of way forward is defined .

Whatever is the initiative or project , general tendency of many of us , is to focus on the results , which is not a recommended approach since there could be plenty of work to be accomplished before arriving at the outcome . For every result , there is a process or methodology that is defined and if followed diligently , it is assured that we will be successful . Again , we need to clearly understand that Methodology or Process = Temperament + Skills + Domain Understanding. When we aggregate all of them in the right proportion , we are set up to succeed . Today , I don’t intend detailing all the ingredients of Methodology , a subject for another day .

Let’s take an example to amplify the point I am attempting to articulate …. ?If I need to go Starbucks , should I be thinking about the outlet or be clear about the route to reach the destination ? By continuing to move forward on the defined path to the outlet , I will not only understand the route clearly hence have the ability to repeat it but will also be able to reach the destination as , well . Same principle applies , in every sphere of our personal and professional lives .Success or Failure is a validation of whether we have been process focused during the “ journey “ ?or whether we lost our focus in the midst of the journey hence ending up with results , which were not desired . It is important to remember , that for every positive result which we desire , it is not about one stroke and we reach our goal .Not , it is not about hitting a sixer , in cricketing parlance ..The journey of life is much more than , one stroke success .

If we focus on the journey , the huge benefit is not only about excellent results but also an opportunity to repeat the journey in different areas since the methodology of how to make it happen is clearly understood , by us

Why do we keep Thinking About Outcomes or Results Instead of the Process to Achieve It ?

?If we try to hold on to many things , both “ real and imaginary “ , our thoughts , emotions , fears , worries , anxieties and expectations , will continue making our mind restless about completing a task and achieving success ..!! A restless mind , is a distracted mind which is beyond our control !! When our mind is not within our grasp , the quality of thinking and actions , will always be a of mediocre and inconsistent . In such state , process orientation can only be a dream and not a reality because process based approach needs patience , stability in thinking and focus .

Being conditioned only for success from childhood and a strong dislike for failures and related learning opportunities , has made most of us , desire success excessively and at any cost ( well , almost !) . Unfortunately , most of us have also been also taught that “ failure “ , other than being a serious negative event of life , has no other value in our life !!

Where does that lead us to ? …

The need for instant gratification and quick wins has become so very important for most , in personal and professional lives . Willingness to go through different stages of a solution before arriving at a final conclusion , is?an unacceptable approach in today’s world because it demands patience , collaborative working , structured working and other critical elements .

When everyone is so obsessed with success and results , how can anyone focus on process or the journey to achieve success , when they grow up ??!! It is very difficult , almost impossible for anyone to change their way of thinking , over time .

?Our ability to stay focused on the journey becomes negatively impacted , our ability to work with others becomes erratic and we tend to lose our own selves , completely over time . All the skills / competencies we believed that we were in possession , now gets significantly diluted thereby making us incapable of achieving the desired outcomes / results , on a regular basis . With results being so important and neither learning nor the way to achieve desired results ,gets any importance . Process orientation , as a critical area for result achievement , has almost become least important in the lives of , most ..!!

What happens when we are only Thinking About Outcomes or Results?Instead of Focusing on the Process to , Achieving?Results ??

When we keep thinking only about results , it is a clear reflection of our lack of confidence in achieving the desired results for which we have set out . It?also highlights a , very limited understanding of the subject which we are pursuing . This would mean that the probability of success or the quality ( sustainability ) of success is very low . Generally , human beings become over anxious , when they are uncertain of the results , which is a normal mental state and then begins a series negative thoughts .

However , imagine for a moment that we understand the domain we are working on , very well and our thinking is , towards a more structured methodology . In such a situation , we will concentrate on the process and at every stage of the process , where milestones are to be delivered , we will get the desired results ( a very high probability on almost all occasions ) . As an example , if we have good student , he / she will concentrate on preparing for the tests by upgrading his / her knowledge of the subject instead of thinking about grades ..

I will repeat once again , we should only focus on variables in our control … Results are completely outside our control hence it is not recommended , to be a strong area of focus !!

Some Questions to Reflect Upon ??

While I don’t intend answering all the questions , I do intend leaving you with them , so that which you could think through and plan ahead ….

• What is simpler and easier to manage , the process you are working on or the result of it ?
• Failures in life is a clear indication , that Success or Results in an ?area , which ?cannot be controlled by us . Is there another interpretation of failure , which is more positive and which would take us forward ?
• Is Service Excellence , an outcome of what we do or don’t do ( process management ) or can we directly go to excellent Service levels , which we would like to accomplish ?
• Consistent Results , is on account of our ability to repeat certain tasks or the way we manage a process ?. Alternatively are repeat results , a matter of determining , on how many occasions , we desire the outcomes ?

In Conclusion

We are all keen to be hugely successful in our , ?personal and professional lives , nothing wrong with the ambition . However , probability of success is very high , when you journey on the path leading to success in a , structured manner … If we take a leap ( and avoid process orientation ) towards our destination , it could be a wonderful take off however , we cannot be certain of , where and how we will land ?? !!

Do you want to think before you Leap or would you like to think , after the Leap ??

Wishing you and families a very healthy and fulfilling 2022 …!!