Outcome Goals vs. Process Goals: A Practical Guide for Physicians
An earlier version of this article appeared on this website in May, 2024
If you’re a doctor, you’re used to reaching goals. But it’s possible that many of those goals were chosen for you. Others may have emerged from a well-worn template that you had little role in shaping. When it comes to creating and achieving goals that are personally meaningful and aligned with who you are now, it’s common to feel stuck or unsure how to move forward with purpose. That’s where process goals come into play.
When the future you envision feels unattainable, the challenge may not be your motivation or ability. Instead, it may be the type of goal you’ve chosen. That’s what this article is about. Whether it’s landing a new position, getting better control of your time and energy, reaching a financial milestone, or even taking a long-dreamed-of vacation, the focus is often on the end result. And that can feel like a heavy lift.
To be clear, it’s important to have an outcome in mind. But what if I told you that shifting your focus from the outcome to the process could be the key to your success?
In this article I’ll explain the difference between outcome goals and process goals. I’ll give you some easy-to-understand examples of how this can work for you. And I’ll share some steps that you can start working on today.
Understanding Outcome Goals vs. Process Goals
Outcome goals are the big results you want to achieve. They provide direction and motivation, but they’re often influenced by factors outside your direct control, like competition, institutional constraints, time pressures, unexpected obstacles, or competing responsibilities. There’s nothing wrong with having big goals. Sometimes the challenge is simply that the goal is too broad or vague.
Process goals, on the other hand, are the steps you take to move towards your outcome goals. They focus on the actions and behaviors that are well within your control.
Process goals are:
Short-term (usually less than a week)
Concrete and realistic
Highly specific
Trackable and measurable
Flexible and adjustable
Aligned with your values
In short, process goals are often SMART goals. For example, a process goal might be exercising for 30 minutes three times a week, enrolling in a leadership development course, sending one email per week to request a letter of recommendation, or practicing the guitar for an hour each weekend.
When you focus on process goals, you maintain control over your progress. You can adjust as needed, without the pressure of immediately achieving something big, visible, or definitive.
Process goals move you towards an outcome, even though that outcome is not always guaranteed. This is the way you break down a goal that seems unattainable, even audacious, and create your own roadmap. You may not end up exactly where you expected, but you’ll make forward movement. And often, new and better possibilities emerge along the way. Sometimes those become the new outcome goal.
The Benefits of Focusing on Process Goals
Consistency and Habits
Process goals encourage you to develop consistent habits. By committing to daily or weekly actions, no matter how small, you’ll build a routine that supports long-term progress.
Flexibility
Unlike outcome goals, which can feel rigid and unforgiving, process goals allow for flexibility. If one approach isn't working, you can change course without feeling like you've failed. Changing direction is a normal and exciting part of the process goal method. By creating small process steps, you’re allowing yourself to experiment with small stakes outcomes.
Reduced Stress
Shifting attention from the end result to the day-to-day actions reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll stay grounded in the present, finding satisfaction in what you’re doing now, and feel more agency over your progress.
Enhanced Motivation
Small wins matter. Completing manageable process goals builds your confidence and momentum. You can see progress as it happens, and that naturally reinforces your commitment over time. This is sometimes described as a “flywheel.” It takes effort to get started, but once it’s moving, progress becomes easier and more self-sustaining.
Moving From Intention to Action
For more about SMART goals, check out my recent article here. And if you’d like help translating process goals into clear action steps, this article will walk you through a practical framework. You’ll find a template to help you get started, and a real-world example of the way this process might work for someone who is seeking a new job or position.
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