The Power of Process Goals
A more effective, compassionate and forgiving way of setting goals
The first time I heard about process goals, I thought the person explaining them was way off. "How can I measure success without a specific, measurable target?" I remember asking. Whether you're working on a creative project or running a business, having a clear outcome seems like the only way to stay on track. But over time, I’ve learned that focusing solely on outcomes can lead to stress, burnout, and frustration—especially when you're trying to create something meaningful.
Process goals, on the other hand, offer a more compassionate and forgiving way to work toward your creative and business aspirations. Rather than fixating on the end result, process goals encourage you to focus on how you work and the small steps that build sustainable progress. They are about refining the journey, not just aiming for the destination.
Why Process Goals Matter for Creativity and Business
Creative and business goals often have a lot in common—they both involve balancing vision with execution, juggling uncertainty, and navigating the ebb and flow of inspiration and results. In both areas, it's easy to get caught up in outcome-driven thinking: publishing that book, finishing that album, landing that next client, or hitting a revenue milestone. But what happens when those outcomes feel out of reach? Or when you fall short of your big goal? That’s where process goals come in.
Process goals help you:
Focus on the daily habits and actions that lead to long-term growth.
Keep you grounded and centered in your work, even when outcomes are uncertain.
Make both creative work and business building feel more sustainable and enjoyable.
Personally, I’ve found that process goals free me from the “all-or-nothing” mindset that used to define my work. Instead of focusing on whether I’ve hit a specific target, I concentrate on the steps I’m taking along the way. It’s a mindset shift that has made both my creative pursuits and business ventures more fulfilling.
How to Use Process Goals for Creative and Business Success
Here’s how you can apply process goals to both your creative work and your business. This approach is flexible, so you can adapt it to fit your own needs, whether you’re writing a book, launching a business, or doing both!
1. Define a “Rough Draft” of Your Process
Start by creating a rough draft of what your process looks like. This could be how you approach songwriting, painting, or creating content for your business. It could also be how you handle marketing, client outreach, or product development. The key is to document your best guess—this isn’t about being perfect right away.
Label it "for now" because your process will evolve over time. You might know some steps already, but there are always unknowns. Your goal here is to take what you do know and start experimenting.
2. Test Your Process
Once you’ve outlined your process, put it to the test. Work within a set amount of time—not as much time as possible, but enough time to make steady progress. For example, if you’re writing a book, commit to 1 hour of writing each day. If you’re working on your business, set aside a few hours each week for marketing, networking, or developing new products.
This creates structure while leaving room for experimentation. If you’re struggling to stay on track, consider using tools like Focusmate or working with an accountability buddy. And remember to reward yourself for the effort—whether it’s your favorite treat or taking time for a quick creative break.
3. Reflect and Refine
Every couple of weeks, take time to reflect on how your process is going. Whether you’re reviewing the steps you took toward a creative project or assessing the way you’ve been building your business, ask yourself these key questions:
What went well?
What results or experiences stood out?
What didn’t go so well, and why?
What could you do differently?
This reflection allows you to fine-tune your process over time. If you feel stuck, here are some ways to brainstorm new ideas:
Ask a trusted friend or colleague for feedback.
Look at how others in your creative field or industry are approaching similar challenges.
Try something new. If your creative routine feels stagnant, switch mediums or tools. If your business marketing isn’t landing, experiment with different platforms or messaging.
Document any changes you make to your process, and test them again. Over time, you’ll develop a more refined, enjoyable way of working that is uniquely suited to your creative and business needs.
Embracing the Process
The beauty of process goals is that they allow you to stay in motion, no matter the outcome. You’re always improving, always learning, and always on the path. Whether you're writing, building, or creating, your process becomes the constant that guides you forward. In a way, it’s a much more forgiving way to work—because you’re no longer tied to any single result.
As long as you’re engaged with your process, you’re succeeding. You’re building skills, deepening your craft, and becoming more attuned to your creative and business instincts. Destinations come and go, but the process is always there to guide you.
A Final Thought
One thing to remember: don’t wait for the “perfect” process or plan to emerge. Perfection is a moving target, and in both creativity and business, the best plan is often the one that keeps evolving. Beware of experts —including me— who claims to have the exact formula for success. You know your work best.
Set your goals, but lead with the process first. Your business and your creative work will thank you.
If you’d like help shaping your process goals, feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your journey!
Please get in touch if I can help you shape your process goals. Wishing you luck in the meantime and thank you for stopping by.