Process

Everything is one long process.  Even if there are shortcuts available, the original process is (usually) still abided by.

As in many aspects of our lives, the key to success lies in planning and executing processes.

We are all aware of the processes of everyday life, yet complain when things are not instantaneous, when the things we desire do not immediately fall into our laps.  Meanwhile, at the end of the process we query why it feels as though nothing has changed in the time it has taken us to reach a specific point.  Is it possible that these feelings reflect a deeper sense of lacking in fulfilment in our lives, not allowing us to realise how far we have travelled, the obstacles we have overcome to achieve a certain goal?  Or is it just we have become disillusioned by the repetitiveness of processes and developments?

Why are we in such a hurry to reach the end goal?  The process itself could enlighten us to alternative possibilities that may be better suited to what we are capable of, or, perhaps, what we lust after.  The end will be worthwhile, regardless of the outcome, because the process has made us more acutely aware of the things that are necessary to each of us as an individual: it has allowed us to uncover some deeper meanings and aspects of ourselves and our lives which we would not have been aware of, had we not followed the long-winded route.

Instant gratification is the shortcut.  Deferred gratification is the process.  Together they make up the journey to reach the end target.  Oftentimes the journey is more fulfilling than the end target.  It is a continual reminder of what could have been, what has been achieved, how far we have come, and how close (or far) we have left to travel.  Acknowledging the power in the process can allow us to access the infinite wisdom within each and every one of us. 

As Bruce Mau said, “When the outcome drives the process we will only go to where we’ve already been.  If process drives the outcome we may not know where we’re going, but we will know we want to be there”.

Without process and its documentation it would be difficult to comprehend whether the outcome was negative or positive (or any other label one should wish to attach).  Yet keep in mind that the process is not a panacea.  It is important to have a (fairly focused) path to get where you're going (the process), but one should be willing to throw the map out the window when need-be.  That's how truly good things are accomplished.  

Processes do not stifle creativity; it is mindless slavishness to process.  Remember to enjoy the process, moment by moment.  This is not to say there is no value in the goal and that they do not have a place in our lives.  Rather, they inspire us.  They motivate us to attempt new ways of thinking and new experiences.  But we do need to embrace and savour the path taken to reach the goal.