Focus on the Process

"Focus on the process, not the product that the process was meant to achieve." ~ Thomas M. Sterner

I've noticed lately that I am able to finish routine chores, other tasks, and the practices I use to help me create my Excelerated Life? with relative ease. My old approach was to view a task or a chore or other activity as something to hurry through so I could get on with the interesting parts of life. I approached them as boring, sometimes unpleasant, "have to's". My focus was on how much longer I had to go, or how many reps I still needed to do, not on what I was actually doing.

But as I say, something has changed. I can't say it was anything I consciously set out to do. But I believe I can trace the impetus back to a book I read a few months ago - The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner. My changed approach is explained in these words from Sterner: "When you focus on the process, the desired product takes care of itself with fluid ease. When you focus on the product, you immediately begin to fight yourself and experience boredom, restlessness, frustration, and impatience with the process."

I've contemplated this change in my perspective over the last few weeks and pinpointed it to the fact that I've started viewing these routines, tasks, and chores as "practice", not something to rush through to get to the good stuff. They have become part of the good stuff. As Thomas Sterner tells us, "good practice mechanics require deliberately and intentionally staying in the process of doing something and being aware of whether or not we are actually accomplishing that." The result is that I accomplish whatever it is - washing dishes, flossing my teeth, doing my morning exercise, and a number of other things - without rushing through, trying to finish as soon as possible, and sometimes quitting before I finished. It has made a noticeable difference in how I operate and I encourage you to try it.

[Photo by cottonbro studio]

With that in mind, here are some questions to contemplate and specific steps you can take to put this idea into practice:

1. How do you currently approach routine tasks? Do you see them as chores to get through or as opportunities for mindful practice?

2. What emotions arise when you rush through tasks? Do you feel resistance, frustration, impatience, or boredom?

3. Can you think of a time when you were fully engaged in an activity? How did that feel compared to when you were rushing?

4. What are some tasks in your daily life where you could shift your focus to the process rather than the outcome?

5. How would viewing daily activities as “practice” change your perspective on them? I suggest you try it and see.

Here's how to begin:

1. Pick one task to start with. Choose a routine activity — like washing dishes, making your bed, or brushing your teeth — and intentionally slow down to focus on the process.

2. Set an intention before starting. Remind yourself that this is an opportunity to be present and engaged, not just a task to finish.

3. Pay attention to sensory details. Notice the feel of the water while washing dishes, the rhythm of your movements during exercise, or the sensation of each step in your morning routine.

4. Redirect your thoughts when you notice yourself rushing. If you find yourself thinking about how much longer it will take, gently bring your focus back to the moment.

5. Celebrate small improvements. Reflect at the end of the practice on how this shift in focus affected your experience and efficiency.

6. Repeat with other activities. Gradually apply this approach to more aspects of your daily routine.

Finding this idea, and then becoming aware that I was using it, was a serendipity, a happy accident. But no more. Now I actively and explicitly look for ways to put it to use, to focus on the process. I encourage you to do the same. Try it and see if it makes a difference in how you approach and handle routine tasks and chores. It may even help you turn some of your desired behaviors into routines. And it could be just the thing to help you take the next step in embracing your Excelerated Life?!

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Resources:

Sterner, Thomas M. The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2005, 2012.

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This blog post includes research information provided by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. To learn more about ChatGPT and its capabilities, you can visit the OpenAI website.

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