“The Process is More Important than the Result”: Misconceptions and Truths
Introduction: This Is Not Another Pop Psychology Article, I Promise
If you’re reading this article, congratulations, you’ve already completed the first step in the process of success — clicking. Yeah, that’s part of the process, right??? But hold on, let’s talk about this over-hyped notion of the “process.”
We often hear people say, “the process is more important than the result.” It sounds like an inspiring mantra, doesn’t it? But have you ever wondered if this is really true? Or is it just a self-consoling idea we latch onto when we haven’t yet achieved our goals?
Misconceptions: Why People Emphasize the Process
You Can Control the Process
People like to focus on the process because it’s something you can control. You can control how many pages you read each day, but you can’t control what questions will be on an exam. However, if you’re reading “Fifty Shades of Grey,” reading 100 or 1,000 pages probably won’t help you in your final exam (unless your goal is to become an erotic novelist).
The Process Provides Moral Superiority
Who doesn’t want to feel like a saint? When you say to yourself, “at least I tried,” don’t you feel a little like Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr.? Unfortunately, unless you’re involved in a civil rights movement, “trying” doesn’t replace “succeeding.” If your results are poor, no amount of effort will justify the failure.
The Process is Quantifiable
In a world obsessed with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), the process is easily measurable. You can know exactly how many steps you took, how many calories you consumed, or how many questions you practiced. But if you walk 10,000 steps to buy ice cream every day, what good does that process do for your health goals?
Theoretical Framework: The Art of Balancing Process and Outcome
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, humans have various needs ranging from basic physiological ones to self-actualization. The importance of the process and the outcome may differ depending on the level of need. For example, if you’re hungry (a basic physiological need), then “eating” (outcome) might be more important than “how you eat” (process).
ROI in Economics
In economics, Return on Investment (ROI) is a crucial metric for assessing the success of any investment (process). Simply put, if you invest $100 and make $150 in return, you are successful. Both the process (investing $100) and the outcome (making $150) are important.
Behavioral Economics and Procedural Fairness
Behavioral economics introduces the concept of “procedural fairness,” meaning people care not only about the outcome but also about whether the process leading to it is fair. This also explains why sometimes even if the outcome is not as expected, people are still satisfied if the process was fair.
Examples: Process and Outcome in Various Fields
In Sports
Imagine you’re a soccer player who played hard the entire game but still lost. You might think the process is important as it showed your dedication and resolve. However, would you dare tell your coach or fans that “the process is more important than the result”? Probably not.
In the Workplace
At work, if you spend two weeks preparing a report that gets rejected for various reasons (e.g., unreliable data sources), what would you think? You might feel you “tried,” but the company will likely only care about the outcome.
In Relationships
Imagine you’ve prepared a romantic dinner to celebrate your anniversary with your partner, but for some reason (perhaps food poisoning), the dinner is a complete flop. You’d think the effort matters, having poured your time and emotions into it. But if the end result is your partner getting sick, you still have to face the reality of a failed outcome, regardless of how wonderful the process was.
Fascinating Experiment: Psychological Effects of Process vs Outcome
Tolerance for Failure
In one study, researchers gave participants a simple task and then deliberately caused them to fail. The participants were then asked if they blamed their own lack of effort or if they thought the task itself was flawed. Guess what? Most people tended to believe the task was the problem. This suggests that when faced with failure, we prefer to attribute it to uncontrollable factors, rather than our own actions.
The Classic ‘Marshmallow Test’ on Delayed Gratification
We all know about the famous “Marshmallow Test,” where children resist immediate temptation for a greater future reward. This experiment highlights the close relationship between process and outcome. The kids need to find enjoyment in the process (delaying gratification) to achieve a better outcome (more marshmallows).
So, How to Balance Process and Outcome?
Don’t Treat the Outcome as the End
Firstly, we should reconsider our view of ‘outcomes.’ Most people treat them as an endpoint, but they are actually more like milestones in the journey. Think about it: graduating, getting married, or landing that dream job are just moments in life. These “outcomes” lead you into new processes and challenges.
Aesthetic vs Utilitarian: The Best of Both Worlds
Sometimes, the balance between process and outcome can be struck by considering both aesthetic and utilitarian aspects. For instance, when choosing a beautiful sofa, you’re not just looking for comfort (utilitarian), but also for a pleasing design (aesthetic). In such cases, both the process (selection) and the outcome (final purchase) are crucial.
The Art of Time Management
We all have the same 24 hours, but why do some people seem to accomplish more? The simple answer: they know how to balance process and outcome. They set clear goals (outcome-oriented) but also take time to enjoy the journey of achieving them.
The Dreaded ‘If-Then’ Trap
If you often tell yourself, “If I had more money, then I’d be happier,” congratulations, you’ve fallen into the ‘If-Then’ trap. This mindset focuses solely on the outcome, ignoring the process. Interestingly, when you start enjoying the process, the outcome usually follows naturally.
A Side Note: Process and Outcome in Dating
Imagine you’re on a date. The entire experience (conversation, ambiance, interaction) is great, but in the end, they don’t text you back. Conversely, if the date goes poorly but the other person finds you interesting, how would you weigh these two factors? Both process and outcome are equally important here but represent different aspects.
Conclusion: Harmonious Coexistence of Process and Outcome
In our pursuit of success and satisfaction, the key is to find harmony between process and outcome. This involves recognizing the value of both and understanding their interplay.
The process is not just a means to an outcome; it has intrinsic value and joy. Similarly, outcomes are not the ultimate finish line but an evolving journey.
So, the next time you find yourself too focused on either the process or the outcome, take a moment to ask yourself: Can I find a better balance?
Have a think
- Can you think of a time when you were too focused on the outcome and neglected the process? How did that affect your overall experience?
- Do you tend to blame external circumstances or your own efforts when things don’t go as planned? Why do you think you have that tendency?
- What are some strategies you use to find a balance between enjoying the process and achieving your desired outcomes?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences; they might provide valuable insights for others trying to find that perfect balance between process and outcome. Thank you for reading, and remember, enjoy the journey, the destination will come naturally!
