Navigating Between Outcome, Performance, and Process Goals

“I am NOT supposed to think about the outcome and winning! I should focus only on the process…”

“My goal is to win, which is all that matters!”

Do these statements sound familiar? These are some of the myths related to goals, and they typically stem from an incomplete understanding of how goals work. For example, while it is true that focusing on the process helps reduce anxiety and stay in the present, dismissing outcome goals entirely can lead to a lack of direction or competitiveness. On the other hand, I remember working with athletes on the verge of quitting their sport because they were fixated solely on winning and felt like every loss was a personal failure.

In this blog post, I will explain how you can orient yourself to different types of goals—whether outcome, performance, or process—based on your needs. This skill can help you maintain motivation, reduce pressure, and enjoy the journey while maximizing your potential.

Outcome, Performance, and Process Goals

To make the most of goal setting, you need to understand the different types of goals and the role that each one has to play.

• Outcome Goals: These ambitious targets, such as winning a championship or achieving a career milestone, serve as powerful motivators and guideposts (Locke & Latham, 2013). However, it is important to remember that they are typically not within your direct control, and an excessive focus on them can lead to distress and foster a Fixed Mindset (Dweck, 2006).
  
• Performance Goals: These milestones inform you about your progress in relation to your outcome goal (Locke & Latham, 2013). Maybe you want to improve your running time by 3 minutes or increase your sales numbers by 20%. Reflecting on these goals helps you remember how far you have progressed, which adds to your confidence.
  
• Process Goals: These are the daily steps you take to get closer to your performance and outcome goals. You have the most control over these goals, which is about what you do now (Locke & Latham, 2013). Your process goal could be sticking to a training plan or ensuring you get enough hours of sleep. These are the goals you want to focus on most of the time.  

So why should you care about these different types of goals?

Knowing when to focus on which type of goals ensures sustained motivation, reduces stress, and leads to a more effective and enjoyable journey. Outcome goals provide motivation and direction, but focusing solely on them can be overwhelming since they often depend on external factors. Performance goals help track progress and build confidence, while process goals keep you grounded in the present and focused on what is within your direct control.

“Goals affect performance by directing attention, mobilizing effort, increasing persistence, and motivating strategy development.” ~ Edwin Locke and Gary Latham

Finally, remember that you do not have to achieve every goal you set. It is perfectly fine if circumstances change or priorities shift. Goals should guide and inspire growth, not create pressure or define your self-worth. Adjusting your goals is part of the process; what truly matters is learning from the journey, regardless of the outcome.

Coach Hansen

References:

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

Elliot, A. J., & McGregor, H. A. (2001). A 2 x 2 achievement goal framework. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(3), 501-519.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New developments in goal setting and task performance. Routledge