Why, after creating a winning process do we deviate from it?

As humans, we often strive to create a winning process in order to achieve our goals. We spend countless hours refining and perfecting our approach until we find a formula that works. But why is it that even after creating a successful process, we sometimes deviate from it?

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and the impact it can have on our personal and professional lives. We will also discuss strategies for staying on track and sticking to a winning process.

The Allure of the New and Exciting

One of the main reasons we deviate from a winning process is the allure of the new and exciting. It's easy to get caught up in the latest trends or try out a new approach that promises to deliver even better results. This temptation is especially strong if we've been using the same process for a long period of time and it feels stagnant or outdated.

While trying out new approaches can be beneficial, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks of straying from a proven process. Implementing a new process can take time and resources away from existing projects, and there's always the possibility that the new approach won't work as well as expected.

The Pressure to Innovate

Another reason we deviate from winning processes is the pressure to innovate. In today's fast-paced business world, innovation is often seen as the key to success. Companies are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and services, and employees are expected to come up with new ideas and approaches.

This pressure to innovate can lead to a cycle of constant change, as companies and individuals strive to stay ahead of the competition. However, it's important to remember that innovation doesn't always mean completely scrapping a winning process. Small tweaks and improvements can often lead to significant results, without completely abandoning what's already working.

Fear of Complacency

Another reason we deviate from winning processes is the fear of complacency. Once we've achieved success with a particular process, it's easy to become complacent and assume that we can simply continue doing what we're doing to achieve the same results.

However, this attitude can be dangerous. Complacency can lead to stagnation, and eventually, a decline in results. It's important to remember that even a winning process can benefit from ongoing refinement and improvement. Don't be afraid to challenge assumptions and look for ways to make small tweaks that can lead to big results.

The Impact of Deviating from a Winning Process

Deviation from a winning process can have significant impacts on our personal and professional lives. In a business context, it can lead to missed opportunities, decreased efficiency, and decreased profitability. It can also lead to confusion and frustration among employees, as they struggle to adapt to new processes and procedures.

On a personal level, deviating from a winning process can lead to burnout, frustration, and a lack of direction. It can also impact our confidence and self-esteem, as we question our ability to make decisions and stick to our goals.

Where We Go From Here

Once we identify the factors that led us to deviate from the winning process, we can take proactive measures to avoid repeating the same mistake. This may involve changing the process to address the identified issue or reinforcing the importance of following the established process. It's also important to regularly review and refine the process to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the changing circumstances.

Another reason why people deviate from winning processes is the lack of accountability. It's easy to shift the blame and make excuses for why we didn't follow the process when no one is holding us accountable. This is why having a system of accountability in place is crucial to ensuring adherence to the process. This can involve setting clear expectations, establishing consequences for not following the process, and regularly monitoring progress and providing feedback.

Finally, complacency and overconfidence can also lead to deviation from the winning process. Once we achieve success, we may become complacent and assume that the process will always work without the need for continued effort and improvement. This can result in cutting corners or skipping steps that were crucial to the original success.

“The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” – Helmut Schmidt

Conclusion

In conclusion, deviation from a winning process is a common challenge that can happen for various reasons. To prevent this, it's important to identify the factors that lead to deviation and take proactive measures to address them, establish accountability measures, and avoid becoming complacent. By continuously refining and improving the process, we can maintain our success and ensure long-term success.