The Monthly Goalpost for October: Enjoy the ride

The Monthly Goalpost is all about setting goals and pursuing them. But sometimes we need to take a step back instead of looking for the next step forward. So instead of setting new goals this month, how about stopping and enjoying the process of our art? Why not make this month’s goal to focus on process? Take time to live in the moment and to own it.

Looking forward too much makes Jane an anxious girl. Outcome-focused goals force us to look at the future— the unknown. We don’t have control of the future but we can possess the present and by doing so, get the full benefit of it. We can control process and what we choose to do today. The benefit is heightened satisfaction because instead of judging what we’ve done based upon future achievements, we’ve enjoyed the work.

Here are some suggestions to help stay present in our process and work.

• Develop a daily routine—it’s part of the process. Using our skills will boost our skills making us more confident.
• Think a little more instead of pushing to produce. Meditating and mulling may give birth to some new ideas or solutions to nagging problems.
• Encourage experimentation. Be open. Serendipity is in the present not somewhere off in the future.
• Stop and take in what has been done. Admire and acknowledge achievement.

Satisfaction derived from effort and practice will help us to enjoy the process and strengthen our skills at the same time. All of this will bolster our confidence because we’ll know we’re on the right path. If we judge our path by outcomes, results or the approval of others, our confidence will be shaky.

What are your process-focused goals for this month? Comment here or if you’re part of the private Sub It Club Facebook group, tells us how you’re doing over there. If you’d like to join our Facebook group, send a request.