When To Have Outcome Goal & Process Goal
Goals are a great way to hold ourselves accountable, even if we fail. Setting goals and working to achieving them helps us define what we truly want in life. Goal-setting theory helps us understand that setting goals are a conscious process and and efficient means when it comes to increasing productivity and motivation. However while setting goals and planning for change, we have to make sure we avoid a common trap. Most people set goals that help them visualize the final result. The biggest reason that people miss their goals is because they understand what they want to achieve but not how they are going to achieve it. The how part is much more crucial than any other element. That’s where this article delight comes in and introduces the concept of When To Have Outcome Goal & Process Goal.
What Are Outcome Goals & Process Goals ?
Outcome goals focus on a specific milestone that might be out of your control. The truth is even if you are a 100% dedicated to a goal, you might hit an unforeseen obstacle that prevents you from achieving success. For instance, a few outcome goals could include earning a millions dollar in a year, coming in the top 3 or winning a tournament, or losing 20 pounds in three months. Sure, it’s good to set ambitious goals, but sometimes even if you do all the right things, you might not achieve what you want.
While, Process goals are the milestones that you can completely control. Setting a process goal means you have to identify what you actually have to do achieve a larger goal. In reference to above Outcome goals, you can establish Process goals such as switching to a more income orientating job in upcoming 3 months or start running with 2 Km everyday and then gradually increasing it. Or, you could set a process goal of hitting to the gym at least 4 times a week.
Difference Between Process Goals and Outcome Goals | Outcome Goal vs. Process Goal
Outcome goals are about the end result, not the steps you take to get there. Process goals are about the steps you take to get from point A to point B. Process goals are about the way you do things, not the results you want. Hence process goals are more detailed than the outcome goals. Process goals are designed to help individuals or teams achieve specific goals by creating a plan of action and tracking progress. Outcome goals, on the other hand, are designed to assess whether a goal has been achieved and determine whether further action is necessary.
How Can You Determine Which Type of Goal to Set?
The best type of goal depends on the situation. Here are some guidelines that may help you decide which type of goal to use:
1) If you don’t know where you’re headed, start with an outcome goal. But remember that, the outcome goals are more difficult to achieve because they require you to predict future events.
2) If you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to achieve, then look at both, the process and the outcome goals.
Outcome Goal vs. Process Goal – Which Is Better ? | Why Process Goals Are Better
While it’s easy to decide on an outcome goal, sticking to it is another story. Outcome goal setting is one of the most important ways to achieve self-development, but if you focus too much on these goals, you’ll end up feeling burnt out. The major problem outcome goals can bring is unnecessary pressure on yourself. When you have a goal that seems far to reach, you’ll end up feeling stressed all the time until you achieve that goal. This could take days, weeks, months, and even years. If you are not well-versed in handling pressure and stress, you’ll end up giving up. You tend to forget that just because you did not get the results you want does not automatically mean you are a failure.
On the other hand, with process goals when you see yourself achieving your goals constantly, your self-confidence will increase. In many ways, process goals are a lot like faith. Each accomplishment brings you closer to seeing the fullness of the life that you desire. That, it breaks through the fog and makes things clearer. Process goals encourage you to reach your ultimate goals. When you feel like you can accomplish smaller goals along the way, you gain sustainability and confidence to move forward.
Final Takeaway | When To Have Outcome Goal & Process Goal
Ultimately, no decision is necessary when it comes to an outcome or process goal. We need them both, and we need them to work together. While outcome goals have an important place in your life, and it’s vital to set this type of goal every once in a while, it would be better for your mental health to start with something smaller and not push yourself too quickly. Instead of waiting to celebrate until you achieve your results, celebrate every time you follow the process.
Reference studies : Motivation through conscious goal setting ( https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1996-04138-005 )
Read also : The Akrasia Effect | How to Overcome Procrastination ( https://thebrightdelights.com/the-akrasia-effect-how-to-overcome-procrastination/ )