Process over Results

A while ago, one of the coaches who I look up to and learn a lot of good things from, Dave Ward, posted an article that he got from Triathlon Magazine about athletes. It was called Are you a Level 6 Performer. It basically compares mediocre type athletes to "Level 6 Performers", which are those althletes that just have a higher midset for success. There was one point of his review of the article that really struck me and helped changed my mindset of working out. Here it is, word for word:

"Process over Results
This is probably my favorite principle. Level six performers focus on execution. They spend less time thinking about winning and more time focusing on what it takes to win. They are focused on the process, not the result. They understand that the process will lead to the desired result. By focusing on the process, they stay “in the moment” and are not distracted by their emotions.
This is not to say that you should not visualize. Personally, I’m a big believer in visualization, which I picked up from golf. What it means is that you need to focus on what you are doing when you are doing it.
Lower level athletes tend to focus on a desired result, rather than focusing on the
process that will lead them to a result. You simply cannot wish your way to a
higher level of fitness. It takes work and it takes time.
Focus on the process and the results will come. When you achieve your results that’s the time to enjoy them."

When we focus too much on our desired result (losing a certain number of pounds, getting into a certain size, etc) it is too easy to get discouraged because change takes time. Instead, we should be focusing on the process and staying in the moment. Putting every ounce of our energy and thought into what we are currently doing and giving our full 100%. Don't go through the motions and just jump around and do things half hearted. Do everything ON PURPOSE. Give your all so you can look back and say that you did. FOCUS on the process and the results WILL come.