Let the result speak for itself

Mindset

Let the result speak for itself

Written By britin Thomsen

Have you ever been faced with a difficult decision before? Difficult decisions can lead our brain to think about multiple outcomes. What if I fall short? What if this happens? What will others think of me? It is completely normal to assess the pros and cons of any decision.

However, if you find yourself adjusting your decision based on other people’s opinions, here is where I challenge you to take a step-back and focus on the results you are trying to achieve. In performance psychology, we often refer to this as “process over outcome.” You may have heard your coach say, “Trust the process!” or “Believe in the process!” You may wonder, what does this even mean?

I once had the opportunity to work with an elite athlete (we will refer to him as Nate*) who was faced with a very difficult decision in his competitive season. Nate was a competitive gymnast gearing up for his competition season in hopes to advance onto different competitions across the United States and to be selected for a prestigious development camp. In gymnastics among many other individual sports, athletes compete at their age and skill level. At times, athletes can hover around two different age groups.

Nate could either advance to the next competitive age level and compete with his teammates or remain at his current level. The chances of qualifying for the next competition would be slimmer if he advanced to the next level, jeopardizing his chance to be selected for this prestigious development camp. If Nate were to compete at his current level, the chances of advancing to the next competition were higher, putting him at a better advantage for being selected to attend the development camp, possibly advancing his career in the long run.

Both levels required the same work ethic, the same skills, and the same goals. After outlining many pros and cons for both competitive age levels, it became apparent his cons were mostly related to his teammate’s perceptions of him. What will my teammates think of me if I competed at this level? What if they judge me for staying? What if they don’t think I am as good as I am?

It became apparent to him that remaining at his current level put him in a better position to advance his athletic career. Although competing at a higher level sounded great initially, he realized there were less opportunities to perform and practice his new skills.

Once Nate realized his cons pertained to factors outside of his control, we identified the factors he had direct control over. For him, this included the opportunity for enhanced focus during training without his close teammates; his attitude going into training sessions; and his training and competition preparation.

Trusting the process consists of identifying factors within your control. What are the things you have direct control over in your sport? These often include your attitude, effort, preparation, personal boundaries, and response to obstacles. Homing in on these factors are what produce the results you are trying to achieve.

Whether you are an athlete, business owner, or performer you have to learn what works for you! Not what works for your competitors or teammates. For Nate, although advancing to the next level sounded appealing, the best decision for him and his career at that time was to maximize his potential at his current age level. It is ok to do things differently to get different results. Focus on the process that will likely facilitate the results you are trying to achieve, and let the results speak for itself.

*Identifying factors were altered to maintain confidentiality.

People also ask

How do I focus on the process?

Before focusing on the process, identify where you would like to go! What is your long-term goal? What is most important to you now? Once you identify where you are heading, ask yourself – “How do I get there?” Identify the action steps it will take to reach this goal, and nurture these daily. Step by step, this process will help you reach your destination.

What if I care about what others think of me?

First, know you are not alone. Oftentimes, it is a sign you care about this individual. Our brains are wired to be negative by nature to keep us safe. Nowadays that does more harm than good considering humans are no longer defending their life like they once did millions of years ago. Consider the following questions before you make a decision based on (what you think) other people’s opinions: Is this true? Do I have any evidence to support this? Will changing my decision bring me closer or farther away from my overall goal?

How do I know when I am focusing on things outside of my control?

When we are focusing on factors outside of our control, we tend to feel powerless, frustrated, or even annoyed. Take a deep breath and exhale the emotion that is currently consuming you. We must let go of what is taking up our mental space before identifying things we can give energy to. Then, identify the factors that you have direct control over and pour your energy into them. Dominating controllables leads to fulfillment, accomplishment, and purpose.

About the author

Britin Thomsen

Britin is a mental performance consultant and pre-licensed therapist. During college, she was a team captain and All American for the swim and drive team at St. Cloud State. She eventually completed her M.A. in Sport & Exercise Psychology and her M.S. in Mental health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

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