Circle of Trust

From “Atomic Habits” by James Clear…paraphrased:

Most of the time we set big goals, then we work on the path to get there by building processes/habits, and once we have achieved the goal we update our beliefs/identity (e.g. I am a runner only after completing the marathon; I am a national championship only after winning.)

The more effective way is to start in reverse order….first work on your beliefs and identity…believe that you are the person that can succeed/assume that identity….then focus only on the process…and the outcome/goal will take care of itself (maybe not on your original timeline, but it will happen eventually.)

This is exactly what Nick Saban does at Alabama and why they win so many champions. The recruiters come in the door with the belief and identity that they will be competing for the national championship and they they will be NFL players….Nick Saban preaches constantly to “focus on the process.” This helps the team focus on what they can control…the daily activities and habits…and avoid the crushing weight of external expectations. When they treat each day as one step in the process and focus on each game, they don’t have let downs. The lights aren’t too bright in the national championship game either, because they are already champions and on their way to the NFL…it’s just another piece of the process.

In summary, work on your beliefs/identity first, then set your process and focus solely on that, adjusting as needed…and the outcome you desire will take care of itself.