One Apple A Day #776 - focus on the process
Most of the environments in which we grow, we live, and we work are result-oriented. We are incredibly focused on who wins, who gains, who gets on the top, who gets the best numbers, the promotion and so on.
It's not a bad thing per se. Being ambitious pushes us to become better, and having our gaze set on a goal gives as drive and direction.
However, there is a risk.
When all our attention is on the result, we overlooked the process. We forget to pay attention to what we are doing to achieve what we aim for.
I observed this behaviour on myself and others at an archery experience. We were entirely focused on hitting the target, and we ignored what we were doing. As a result, we didn't know what to change to improve our performance. We kept going on trying and trying, hoping to find a way to hit the target.
It is even worst if, by chance, you hit the target. At that point, you just try to replicate your movements without any idea on why they worked. You can imagine the results.
When we shifted our focus on what we were doing, instead, we began to understand. We became more and more aware of our body, sensations and feelings. And things improved.
Plus, when the focus is all on the results, it's easy to get disappointed. And after a while, to lose motivation. But when we shift the attention on our selves, we can notice and appreciate all the little improvements. The whole experience becomes way more enjoyable.
And in the end, the results come.