Process, Not Result: How to Find Meaning in Everyday Life
Scientific Evidence and Practical Exercises to Help You Live More Mindfully | Supplementing Journal Archives
How is it that… I always thought my focus was solely on the result, yet now I see that the process matters to me even more.
Has this ever happened to you?
I feel like it has. If not - just wait, it will.
Let’s look at life. There are a few very clear reference points. It has a definite beginning - birth - and an inevitable end - death.
And how often do we really think about that? When looking at life from this perspective, is it truly worth focusing on the result when the final destination is already undeniably clear?
This thought often stops me in my tracks and makes me reconsider: maybe the true essence of life isn’t in what awaits at the end, but in what we do right now?
Why Is the Process More Important Than the Result?
When starting any activity, it’s natural to ask:
What result am I aiming for?
What is the meaning of this work, relationship, or project?
In business, we strive for profit. In training, we prepare for the champion’s title. In relationships, we seek harmony and balance. All of this makes sense.
But what about life as a whole? In this context, the result is inevitable - death.
And precisely for this reason, we rarely want to focus on the final outcome.
Unlike most projects, life is not just a goal. It is a process. And within that process lies its true meaning.
We can take the work we’re doing now, knowing that its outcome will be important in the future. Yet, we can also embrace the HERE and NOW, understanding that even this moment is like planting a seed for what’s to come.
Proceso momentai. Knygos įgarsinimo darbai ir pasimatymas su dukra po darbų.
The Process – The True Value of Life
When we shift our focus from the RESULT to the PROCESS, we discover more than we ever expected:
In training – we appreciate the effort we put in every day.
In business – we find joy in the process of creation and growth.
In relationships – we grow together, overcome challenges, and build deeper connections.
Science Supports This Idea.
Researchers at Harvard University, conducting an 80 - year-long (and still ongoing) study on the impact of relationships on life quality, found that not just goals, but the process - ongoing communication and connection-building - plays the biggest role in long-term happiness and health (read more here).
Studies on inner motivation show that engaging in activities for the sake of enjoyment, rather than solely for an end goal, not only increases personal satisfaction but also fosters sustainable motivation. This means that when we focus on the process rather than just the result, we feel happier and more engaged. You can read a more in-depth article on the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and their effects here.
Pause and Take a Look
I invite you to try this. Shift your attention to what is happening right now. Notice the moments that often go unnoticed - because within them may lie the true value of life.
Life is not the final outcome. Life is the process.
If this article inspires you, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments:
-How do you experience the process in your life?
And if you’d like to explore this topic further, subscribe to my newsletter - for free or with a contribution of your choice - to receive additional resources and dive even deeper.
Mindfulness Practices: How to Appreciate the Process More
Life is not just about goals, but also the moments in between them.
Here are a few exercises to help you focus more on the present:
Morning Intention
a) Start your day by asking yourself: “What would I like to experience today?”
b) Write down three words that capture your intention, such as "peace," "curiosity," "gratitude."One-Minute Breath Observation
a) Once a day, take one minute for mindful breathing.
Focus on the movement of the air and your sensations. This will help you pause and step back from any worries.Writing the Moments of the Day
a) At the end of the day, write down three things you experienced that you're grateful for.
Focusing on small moments encourages an appreciation of the process.Mindful Walking Practice
a) Spend 10 - 20 minutes walking without your phone or music. Notice your surroundings, your breath, and your body’s movements.Self-Identification: What Am I Feeling Right Now?
a) Once a day, pause and ask yourself:
“What am I feeling right now? What thoughts are arising?”
This helps recognize your emotions and stay in the present.
Try it.
Thank Yourself later.
#YouAreMore #CoachingIsMore
With Love,
Povilas Petrauskas | MCC, ACTC