Should you have Process-Based or Destination-Based Goals?

I recently listened to a great podcast on The Learning Leader. Ryan Hawk, the host, was interviewing a local, high school state-champion basketball coach, Brook Cupps. During the interview, Hawk asked Coach Cupps, about his view of goals and how he sets goals for himself and for his boys’ basketball teams. Coach Cupps discusses how he finds process-based goals more powerful than destination-based goals and how he has established them yearly for each team with the help of the players on those teams.

So what is the difference between process-based and destination-based goals?

Process-based and destination-based goals differ in focus and approach:

Process-Based Goals

• Focus: On the journey or the steps needed to achieve an outcome.

• Characteristics:

  • Emphasize the actions, habits, or behaviors required to achieve a goal.

  • Foster ongoing improvement and consistency.

  • Typically involve daily or regular actions.

• Example: Committing to write for 30 minutes every day.

Destination-Based Goals

• Focus: On the specific end result or outcome.

• Characteristics:

  • Emphasize achieving a particular target or milestone.

  • Can provide clear direction and motivation.

  • Often measured by whether the goal is met or not.

• Example: Publishing a novel by the end of the year.

Key Differences

1. Emphasis:

   • Process-based goals prioritize the journey and ongoing effort.

   • Destination-based goals prioritize the final achievement or outcome.

2. Motivation:

   • Process-based goals can be more motivating for long-term habits and routines.

   • Destination-based goals can be more motivating for reaching specific milestones.

3. Measurement:

   • Process-based goals are measured by consistency and adherence to the process.

   • Destination-based goals are measured by whether the specific target is achieved.

4. Flexibility:

   • Process-based goals offer flexibility to adapt the process while maintaining momentum.

   • Destination-based goals are rigid in terms of the desired outcome but can vary in methods to achieve it.

Integration

Often, combining both types can be effective. Setting a destination-based goal can give you a clear target, while process-based goals can provide the roadmap and daily actions needed to get there.