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.

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The Role of Gratitude in Performance

It’s not simply about thanking others!

There is a growing body of research that shows how the regular practice of gratitude positively impacts a performer’s resilience, self-esteem, and actual performance (Chen & Wu, 2014; Gabana et al., 2019). It also helps prevent both physical and emotional burnout (Chen et al., 2021).

How do we define Gratitude?

A sense of thankfulness that emerges in response to any kind of benefit that one receives or as an act of expressing appreciation directed towards another or expressed privately (Gabana, 2019).

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“See it, believe it.”

Imagery, sometimes called visualization or mental rehearsal, is widely used by athletes, business professionals, musicians, and almost anyone looking to enhance their performance. It involves creating mental images of your performance to help you perform better under pressure, improve skills, evoke emotions, or create an immersive mental experience (Ramsey et al., 2010). I should also emphasize that Imagery is a mental skill; like all skills, it requires practice.