Goal-setting is critical to the success of any endeavor. Goals motivate us in the beginning, guide us when times get tough and are ultimately celebrated when reached. Anytime I had something I wanted to achieve, it came down to a specific goal/s. However, oftentimes we get caught in the goal-setting trap. Goals like “I need to lose 30 pounds” or “I need to get in shape” are a great starting point but fall short.
These types of goals are known as outcome goals. In essence, the work we are doing today is to create a better tomorrow by projecting us into a better future state. This can be anything from a stronger deadlift to six pack abs to more money in the bank. Outcome goals are simply focused on hitting a benchmark and checking off the box. Outcome goals are awesome, getting us excited in the early stages of starting a new challenge. However, there’s one thing missing if we stop here.
While a great starting point, outcome goals simply scratch the surface. Unless a plan and massive action are behind it, these outcome goals inevitably end-up in the graveyard of new year’s resolutions and broken dreams. The next level is to set process goals.
Process goals are awesome because they get down to brass tacks and focus on the actions it will take to reach the outcome goals. Examples are “I will walk at least 30- minutes three times a week” or “I’ll eat 3 servings of vegetables a day.” Here’s the breakdown of my own outcome and corresponding process goals.
| Complete Sinister Challenge | Be a great father | Build a strong fitness brand |
| Train swings and get-ups 3-4 times a week, following the program my coach has written. | When with Vivi, only use the phone for a specific purpose. No mindless scrolling, be present with her. | Drop a podcast every week. |
| Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. | Read 4 books together daily. | Blog once a week. |
| Sleep 7-8 hours. | Do something fun every day. | Reach out to 1-2 leads a week. |
| Perform basic mobility drills before every training session. | Watch at least 2 Dad University YouTube videos a week. | Mastermind with my colleagues once a week “Strategy Sunday.” |
Without action, outcome goals are simply dreams. Nail-down some solid, actionable process goals and you’ll be well on your way to making your future truth come true.
Train your body. Feed your mind.
-Demarco
