Creating Action Steps for Process Goals

In a previous article I explained the difference between outcome goals and process goals. Simply put, outcome goals are the big results you want to achieve. And process goals are the small and meaningful steps you take to achieve those larger goals. These are the actions and behaviors that are within your control.

Process goals are typically SMART goals. That means that they are

• Specific

• Measurable,

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

So how do you get started with creating your own process goals? In this article, I’ll walk you through the process. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Think of each process goal as one of those single steps.

The template I outline below is a great place to begin. Set a timer for 15 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour, and just start writing. By the time the timer stops, you’ll have created something that you can build on.

Getting Started with Process Goals

1. Get a Notebook: An analogue, hand-written journal tends to work best. That way it doesn’t get lost in the ether of your computer and your on-line life.

 2. Define Your Outcome Goal: Start with a clear understanding of what it is you want to achieve, but be comfortable with the idea that this goal might change. Your outcome goal will guide your process goals and ensure they align with your overall objective.

 3. Break It Down: Identify the smallest and most specific actions that will get you closer to your goal. These should be easily defined and actionable steps that you can incorporate into your daily or weekly routine.

 4. Make it SMART: Ensure your process goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework will help you stay focused and track your progress.

 5. Monitor, Reflect, and Adjust:  Review and update your notebook daily. Check off your small process goals as you achieve them, and reflect on the direction you are heading. Be open to making adjustments as needed to either stay on track or to change course.

6. Bonus Step: Create Weekly, Monthly, One Year, Three Year, and Five Year Goals. Write these down in your notebook and refer to them on a specific day every week. These larger outcome goals will often change over time, but they will help you to stay aligned with what matters most to you.

If this all seems a little theoretical, here’s an example of how this process might look.

Outcome Goal: Find a New Job

Process Goals:

• Clarify your values.

• With your values in mind, create a list of 3-5 things that matter most to you when thinking about your ideal job.

• Update your CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills, experiences, interests, and values.

• Decide if there are new skills you’d need for your dream job and create a process goal plan to acquire them.

• Create a list of 3-5 places you’d like to live.

• Contact 3 colleagues in your field who might be able to help you.

• Research and attend relevant events in your specialty over the next 3-6 months to learn about opportunities and meet people who may be interested in working with you.

• Research and identify potential medical practices or institutions that align with your values and professional goals.

  • Identify people who are decision makers for the practice.

  • Check LinkedIn to see if you have any colleagues in common.

  • If so, can you be introduced? An email to your colleague can help get the wheels in motion.

  • If not, send a well-crafted email or direct message, or make a phone call to someone in the practice who might be in a position to invite you for an interview.

• Prepare for interviews by creating your personal elevator pitch

• Develop a list of potential questions you might be asked in an interview, and create a set of answers.

• Practice for interviews with a friend or coach.

Focusing on process goals rather than outcome goals can be transformative. By taking control of the actions within your reach, you’ll create a sustainable path to your own success, reduce stress, and live a life that aligns with your values and your ambitions. You’ll be able to overcome the inertia that might be holding you back, and you’re likely to find some surprises and unexpected opportunities along the way.

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Mapping Out Your Future: The Power of Process Goals Over Outcome Goals

If you’re a doctor, you’re used to reaching goals. But often those goals are ones that have been chosen for you, or that follow a well-worn template. When it comes to creating and achieving your own personal and meaningful goals, it’s common to feel stuck and uncertain how to move forward with purpose. That’s where process goals come into play.

When the future you envision seems unattainable, it’s possible that the type of goal you’ve chosen is the sticking point. Whether it's landing a new job or position, getting control of your time and energy, achieving a financial milestone, or even taking a dream vacation, the focus is often on the end result. And that can sometimes feel like a heavy lift.

To be clear, it’s important to have an end in mind. However, what if I told you that shifting your focus from the outcome to the process could be the key to your success?

In this article I’ll show you the difference between outcome goals and process goals. I’ll give you some easy-to-understand examples of how this can work for you. And I’ll give you some steps that you can start working on today.

Understanding Outcome Goals vs. Process Goals

Outcome goals are the big results you want to achieve. While these goals provide direction and motivation, they are often beyond your direct control due to a variety of external factors. These might include outside competition, unexpected obstacles, lack of time, and your other obligations. Sometimes the problem is simply a lack of specificity.

Process goals are the steps you take to achieve your outcome goals. They focus on the actions and behaviors that are well within your control.

Process goals are:

• Shorter term (usually less than a week)

• Concrete and realistic       

• Very specific

• Trackable and measurable

• Modifiable

• In alignment with your values

In short, process goals are often SMART goals. For instance, a process goal might be to exercise for 30 minutes a day, enroll in a leadership development course, send one email to request a letter of recommendation weekly for three weeks, or practice the guitar for an hour each week.

When you focus on process goals, you maintain control over your progress, making adjustments as needed, without the pressure of an immediate big and important outcome.

Process goals lead towards an outcome, even though that outcome is not always guaranteed. This is the way you break down a goal that seems unattainable or even audacious and create your own roadmap. In truth, you may not get where you expect to go, but you’ll get somewhere. And you’ll open up more possibilities along the way. Sometimes those other possibilities become the new outcome goal.

The Benefits of Focusing on Process Goals

1. Consistency and Habits: Process goals encourage you to develop consistent habits. By committing to daily or weekly actions, no matter how small, you’ll build a routine that supports long-term progress.

2. Flexibility: Unlike outcome goals, which can be rigid and unforgiving, process goals allow for flexibility. If one approach isn't working, you can modify your actions without feeling like you've failed. Changing direction is a normal and exciting part of the process goal method. By creating small process steps, you’re allowing yourself to experiment with small stakes outcomes.

3. Reduced Stress: Shifting your focus from the end result to the journey reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll become more engaged in the present moment, finding a sense of satisfaction in the process itself. And you’ll feel more in control.

4. Enhanced Motivation: Achieving small, manageable goals boosts your motivation and confidence. You’ll be able to track your accomplishments as they happen. Each step forward serves to reinforce your commitment and gradually drive more progress. Sometimes this is referred to as a “fly wheel”. It may take some effort to get the process rolling, but eventually you’ll gain momentum and achieving your goals will become easier.

For more about SMART goals, check out my recent article here. To learn more about how to create action steps to achieve your process goals, see this article. In addition to providing a template to help you get started, the article gives you a practical breakdown of the way this process might work for someone who is seeking a new job or position.

If you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to stay in the loop for more insights on creating a sustainable, fulfilling, and happy life as a physician, sign up for my newsletter or reach out on my website. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you’d like to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with me, click the link below.