What it Looks Like to Trust the Process
10 Pillars to stay focused, overcome obstacles, & achieve goals.
Have you ever set a goal for yourself but struggled to stay focused and motivated along the way? Whether you're an athlete striving for greatness or pursuing a personal or professional dream, the journey toward success can be challenging. That's where the ten pillars can be a helpful guide to staying on the path.
By following these principles, you'll learn how to define success on your terms, stay responsible and consistent, maintain perspective, and continuously grow and learn.
As you read them, note the one or two that you’ve consistently struggled with in the past - and put a plan together and start turning that weakness into a strength. (And if you’re brave, tell us in the comments which Pillar has proven to be your Achille’s heel.)
Let's dive in.
Pillar 1: Define Success
Identify what success means to you and ensure it's within your control.
Focus on internal benchmarks rather than external factors that you can't influence.
Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, actionable steps that make up your process.
Remember that your character and attitude towards the process are more important than the result.
Common Mistake: Many define success solely based on the end goal, often outside their control. Instead, focus on the process and the internal factors you can influence.
Pillar 2: Be Responsible
Take ownership of your journey, and don't rely on others to make things happen for you.
Understand that external factors, whether positive or negative, shouldn't affect your internal drive.
When faced with challenges, choose to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Embrace the idea that you control your success, and don't make excuses.
Helpful Tip: Cultivate a mindset of personal responsibility and resilience. Remember that you have the power to shape your path, regardless of the obstacles that come your way.
Pillar 3: Come Ready
Accept and prepare for the challenges that will inevitably arise along your journey.
Visualize yourself giving your best effort, even in the face of adversity.
Focus on preparing for the "storms" rather than just the smooth sailing.
Mentally rehearse how you'll handle setbacks and difficulties so you're ready when they occur.
Keep in Mind: Many people only visualize the perfect scenario, but it's crucial to prepare for the struggles and challenges that are a natural part of any worthwhile pursuit.
Pillar 4: Be Present
Avoid getting distracted by dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
When you find yourself drifting, pull your focus back to the present moment.
Recognize that minor distractions can pull you away from giving your best effort.
Fine-tune your daily routines and habits to maximize your productivity and effectiveness.
Good Example: If you find yourself distracted during a workout or a work session, bring your attention back to the task and let go of any irrelevant thoughts or worries.
Pillar 5: Stay Consistent
Strive for consistency in your efforts rather than short bursts of intensity followed by burnout.
Find your "threshold" or maximum sustainable pace that you can maintain over the long haul.
Balance your dedication to the process with other essential aspects of your life.
Aim for the highest level of effort and efficiency you can sustain without sacrificing your overall well-being.
Common Misconception: Many people believe that giving 110% all the time is the key to success. However, this approach often leads to burnout and inconsistency. Instead, focus on finding a challenging but sustainable pace.
Pillar 6: Stop Comparing
Understand that comparing yourself to others is often unfair and unproductive.
Focus on your journey and your progress rather than measuring yourself against others.
Remember that if you're giving your best effort, there's no need to compare yourself to anyone else.
Recognize that comparisons often only focus on one aspect of someone's life rather than the whole picture.
Quick Tip: When you fall into the comparison trap, remember that everyone's journey is unique and that your only competition is yourself.
Pillar 7: Keep Perspective
Maintain a big-picture perspective and avoid getting caught up in minor setbacks or challenges.
Remember that most difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass.
Learn from each experience, but then let it go and move forward.
Zoom out and consider whether something will still matter in the long run before giving it too much energy.
Helpful Insight: Keeping a healthy perspective is crucial for maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout. When encountering obstacles, ask yourself if they'll still be significant in a few months or years.
Pillar 8: Go Pro
Approach your pursuits with the mindset and work ethic of a professional.
Give your total effort and avoid the regrets that come with holding back.
Understand that amateurs are the only ones who look back and wonder "what if" or "maybe."
Treat your journey as a serious endeavor and commit to giving it your all.
Good Question: Ask yourself if you're approaching your goals with the dedication and professionalism of someone truly committed to success. If not, make the necessary adjustments to your mindset and habits.
Pillar 9: Respect Time
Recognize that every part of your journey deserves your full attention and effort.
Treat each moment as a precious opportunity rather than a dress rehearsal.
Constantly ask yourself if you're making the best use of your time at any given moment.
Understand that maximizing your minutes requires clarity on your bigger-picture goals and pursuits.
Good Practice: When engaging in a conversation, a workout, or any other activity, give it your full presence and avoid letting distractions or irrelevant thoughts pull you away from making the most of that moment.
Pillar 10: Feed Curiosity
Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and humility, recognizing that there's always more to learn.
Continuously question your assumptions, beliefs, and habits to ensure they serve you well.
Avoid settling for what you already know and seek new knowledge and insights.
Embrace the idea that growth and learning are essential to success.
Common Mistake: Many people view learning as a means to an end, something to be done until they reach a certain level of proficiency. However, actual growth comes from a lifelong commitment to curiosity and learning.
By following these 10 Pillarsyou'llll be well-equipped to pursue your goals with clarity, consistency, and resilience.
Remember that success is a journey, not a destination, and that your attitude and approach along the way are just as important as the result.
I’m just going to go ahead and turn this into a poster for the office. This is amazing. Thank you.