Creating Action Steps for Process Goals

An earlier version of this article appeared on this website in June, 2024

In a previous article I explained the difference between outcome goals and process goals. Simply put, outcome goals are the big-picture results you want to achieve. Process goals, on the other hand, are the small,meaningful steps you take along the way. They are the actions and behaviors that are within your control, and they’re where real change happen

Most effective process goals follow the SMART framework. That means that they are

✅ Specific

✅ Measurable,

✅ Achievable

✅ Relevant

✅ Time-bound

Process goals translate intention into action. They take an abstract desire, like “I want something different,” and turn it into something you can engage with intentionally, one step at a time.

So how do you actually get started?

As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu famously said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Think of each process goal as one of those steps. Small on its own, but when you place one after the other, you will go far.

Process Goals for Physicians

The template below is a simple and effective place to begin. Set a timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes, and just start writing. Don’t worry about getting it perfect. By the time the timer goes off, you’ll have something concrete—and that’s far more useful than staying stuck in your head.

Getting Started with Process Goals

1. Get a Notebook:

An analog, hand-written journal tends to work best. It’s less likely to get lost in the noise of your digital life and instead becomes a physical place where your thinking can land.

 2. Define Your Outcome Goal:

Start with a clear sense of what you want to achieve, while staying open to the idea that this goal may evolve. Your outcome goal provides direction, but it doesn’t need to be fixed or final.

 3. Break It Down:

Identify the smallest and most specific actions that will move you closer to your goal. These should be concrete steps you can realistically incorporate into your daily or weekly routine.

 4. Make it SMART:

Refine your process goals so they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This keeps your goals grounded and helps you track progress without feeling overwhelmed or burdened.

 5. Monitor, Reflect, and Adjust:  

Review and update your notebook daily, or at least on a regular schedule. Check off completed process goals and reflect on what’s working. Adjust as needed, either to stay on course or to intentionally change direction.

6. Bonus Step:

Create outcome goals for different time horizons: weekly, monthly, one year, three years, and five years. Revisit these on a set day each week. These goals will often change, and that’s part of the process. Revisiting and revising will help you stay aligned with what matters most to you.

If this all seems a little theoretical, here’s an example of how this process might look.

Process Goals: A Practical Example

Outcome Goal: Find a New Job

Process Goals:

• Clarify your values.

• With those values in mind, identify 3–5 priorities that matter most in your ideal job.

• Write about the reasons those aspects of the job are most important.

• Now that you’ve defined you values and have clarity on what is most important to you, update your CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills, experiences, interests, and values.

• Identify any new skills your desired role may require

• Create a plan to acquire those new skills.

  • Perhaps that’s attending a specialized training course, spending focused time with a mentor, or self-directed learning.

  • What are the specific steps you need to take to get this done?

• If you want or need to relocate for the new job, create a list of 3-5 places you’d like to live.

• Reach out to three colleagues who might offer insight, connections, or support.

• Research and attend relevant events in your specialty over the next 3-6 months to learn about opportunities and meet people who may be interested in working with you.

• Research potential medical practices or institutions that align with your values and professional goals.

  • Search for people who are decision makers within those organizations

  • Check LinkedIn for shared connections who could make an introduction.

  • Reach out to the connections you’ve identified with an email, message, or phone call, briefly filling them in on your situation and letting them know that you’re requesting an introduction.

  • If an introduction isn’t possible, draft a thoughtful email or message to the decision-maker in the group that you’ve identified.

• Prepare an authentic elevator pitch that reflects who you are and what you’re seeking.

• Anticipate interview questions and outline your responses.

• Practice for interviews with a friend or coach.

As you can see, each one of these is a manageable step. There’s no need to have everything figured out in advance.

Why Process Goals Matter

Focusing on process goals rather than outcome goals can be transformative.

When you take ownership of the actions within your control, you create momentum, reduce stress, and build a sustainable path forward. You move out of inertia and into engagement. And along the way, you may discover unexpected opportunities, insights, or directions you hadn’t anticipated.

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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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If you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to stay in the loop for more insights on creating a sustainable, fulfilling, and happy life as a physician, sign up for my newsletter or reach out on my website. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you’d like to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with me, click the link below.