the process
Every day I wake up and go through the motions of my routine. bathing, studying(unfortunately yes) work tasks, and repeating - the everyday tasks that make up the majority of my days.
For years(I am 19) I pushed through each day dreaming of the rewards that would come at the end - a completed project, a mini vacation, and many more non-materialistic things.
It took me a long time to realize that life is made up of countless ordinary moments and that happiness comes from finding meaning in the everyday.
The process, not the destination, is what shapes our lives.
I am very impatient always looking at the rewards first and working to achieve them, this can be a way of doing things “but don't tie your happiness to their fulfillment” - DHH.
DHH is a programmer and racing driver, I subscribe to his newsletter, for his newsletter, I sent him a message that I will work hard and will eventually get a Porsche 918, he replied to me with this.
Why?
Life is unpredictable
Unhappiness and Frustrations
Adapting to change
focus on the journey and the process of working towards your dreams, rather than just the end result
Over time, I've learned that the process is just as meaningful, if not more so, than the end result. The day-to-day progress, struggles, lessons, and growth that happen along the way shape who we become. When we reflect on past accomplishments, it's often the journey that provides the richest memories and insights.
The process requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to accept discomfort. It's rarely linear or straightforward. There are obstacles and setbacks that test our resolve. But it's in overcoming these challenges, however small, that we develop grit and resilience.
The outcomes we achieve are fleeting, but the process shapes our character and capacity in lasting ways.
Why do we dislike the process?
As said above we tend to focus on the outcomes and end results rather than the process that gets us there. The journey is often unpleasant and mundane, filled with obstacles and setbacks, so we push through to the finish line.
But what if we learned to find meaning and purpose in the process itself?
Personally, I’ve found that embracing the process leads to greater satisfaction and less frustration. For example, when I was writing a technical article, I used to hate long hours of research, organizing my thoughts, and editing drafts. Now I find pleasure in crafting each sentence and seeing new insights. The end product is still rewarding, but the creative process fuels my motivation.
Our hate to process also influences our choices and behaviors. We want fast results and instant gratification. However sustainable progress happens through incremental improvements over time.
Relationships, skills, and success are built through repeated practice and persistence.
What Influences Our Process?
The process of any project often feels tedious to me. I get excited thinking about the final outcome but struggle with the mundane steps to achieve it. However, I've learned that finding meaning and purpose in the process itself leads to greater satisfaction and success.
There are several factors that shape how we approach and experience any process.
Mindset: Do I see the process as a means to an end, or as an opportunity in itself? Adopting a growth mindset helps me focus on progress over perfection.
Environment: My surroundings greatly impact my mood and motivation. Listening to music, working in a clean space with few distractions(DND in iPhones is the best feature)
Purpose: Connecting the work I'm doing now to the meaningful end goal in mind reinvigorates my motivation. Reminding myself of the purpose and impact of the final outcome helps the process feel more worthwhile.
While I may never love the tedious tasks, I've found meaning and joy in improving my approach and mindset.
As I finish writing this article, I realize that my daily routine is not just a means to an end but has value in itself. The little details in life matter and shape who we become.
My hope is that you are inspired to slow down, be fully present in each moment, and find fulfillment in life's simple pleasures and everyday routines.
Thank you for reading.