Things that I’ve done particularly well, have been when I’ve had the confidence or decided to disregard the end point entirely, and just focus on each thing that is in my field of view at that point in time.

So I was partly motivated in the process by my goal, but in fact it’s the confidence or deliberate disregard for the end goal that allows you to devote yourself to and find the joy in the process. Of course your goal does from time to time intrude when necessary (e.g. exams), but the process has set you up to easily do what is required.

That is, of course, the great thing about following or discovering something that you love doing or get into a groove with. Everything can fall into place neatly.

The question is, what if all you want to do is a good enough job at x or y? That’s been a recipe for disaster in my experience, I don’t seem able to make that work. I’ve tried to think of some advice but I really just get back to: see if you can think of the thing from process-oriented attitude, and if you can’t, make a plan to change course and have that as your new target. Does anyone else have some more flexible advice?

Cheers

Then findings revealed that these two are built-in traits in every students in 50/50 percentage. the behavioral characteristics that students will portray whether to become more goal-oriented or process oriented is situational or conditional to the varying circumstances based on the 20 different situations given in the questionaires with 2 options for selection that categorized GO and PO. And I agree with this article, it takes a realistic goal to have motivation but it is very important to include skills to process goals. But achieving goals gives a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment in order to be leveled “Accomlished Person”, but should not be trap at this momentum and must continue to grow in order to improve, upgrade, and to have much better and good quality of life.

I would say the most extreme goal-oriented person would literally lie, cheat, steal, kill and do whatever it takes to win the prize, regardless of the process. Again, that’s an EXTREME. I’m not generalizing all goal-oriented people.

The most extreme process-oriented people never finish anything, because there is always more to do, more process to learn, more ways to improve before something is truly complete. They may never achieve any recognizable success to outside observers. They cannot see the forest for the trees.

In between is a range that includes most of us. Probably the most successful people, professionally and personally, find the best balance between these behaviors, and know when to favor one over the other, depending on the time and resources available. Most of us would define ourselves as one or the other just by our natural tendencies, but we can all learn to strengthen the other side and achieve more balance.

As an example, I tend to be a process-oriented person. I can take a little longer to achieve goals because it’s important to me how I get there. I’m always interested in learning new things, gaining new skills, improving my skills and actually enjoying what I’m doing to reach my goals. Each step of the process is important to me and deserves attention. Admittedly, this can slow me down and derail my momentum at times, but recently I have been shifting my attention more and more to making goals happen while prioritizing which processes and steps are more important, and which deserve less attention.

These labels are useful shorthands in presenting ourselves to a potential working relationship, so the other party knows what to expect from us, but we need not limit ourselves to these definitions.

Process-oriented: “Now that I’ve made one million dollars I’ve decided I never want to stop making money, and too much is not enough”.

e.g. The CEO of NIKE saying to Michael Moore: “it’s no longer about the money. It’s about making this company the best it can be”.
-Huh? WTF. And what does that mean? Making it the best it can be?

I think we all know what that means. How about double-speak for:

“I still can’t stop wanting to make as much money as possible even though I have more than I could possibly spend in 10 lifetimes, but I just can’t get out of the habit, -I can’t turn my back on the process that brought me to where I am today. Plus exploiting all those peasants who work for me in sweat shops in repressive Indonesia for 40 cents an hour (actually I think it’s 48 cents) is what I live for. If I wasn’t doing that I wouldn’t know WTF to do with my life, but it’s a meaningful process, until I figure out what I’m doing on this planet, beyond depriving the devastatingly poor of any chance of a livelihood”.

How about that for a process and a guy who knows where he’s going?

Unfortunately, I work among a group of goal-oriented people. I work at an enviro group, so for “fun”, we go hiking. I say “fun” because it’s not fun for me to hike with goal-oriented people. They are all about getting to the top of the mountain or the end of the trail…and I’m all about taking my time and learning along the way. Even though I frequently encourage them to just “leave me behind” while I slowly move along, I almost always end up feeling like the odd one out….

Also, I have a goal of losing about 60 pounds, but I’m not really that excited or enthusiastic about the process…ergo, it’s not happening!! All the info I’ve read about losing weight is goal-oriented and I’m not necessarily . Got any suggestions?

I’m satisfied: I a) met my goal and b) not regretful that the process didn’t involve my becoming a better painter, but it did rank me as Mom’s favorite:)

When I care about becoming a better painter simultaneously to Mom’s favorite, my process will reflect this.

And from what you mention, it sounds very much like you’re a process oriented person. But, as mentioned above, you need both a goal and the process. Fail to include one in your focus and you sabotage yourself.