The Hidden Power of Process

“Day by day, we improve and build an asset, but none of it seems to be paying off. Until one day, quite suddenly, we become a ten-year overnight success.”
— Seth Godin

We all know success doesn't happen overnight, but we often forget the role of small, daily actions in shaping our future. It's the little things we do every day that make the biggest difference in the long run.

Think of brushing your teeth as an example. Going to the dentist twice a year won't do much good if you don't brush your teeth regularly. You'll be dealing with cavities, root canals, and painful procedures.

Brushing your teeth once for two minutes? That's not enough either. Brushing for two minutes twice daily, every day, makes the difference. 

This formula applies to everything: relationships, fitness, writing, learning a new skill, or personal growth. The more you do something, day in and day out, the better you get at it. It's simple math.

Listen to Kobe Bryant when he talks about deep thinking and consistency. His secret to success was thinking strategically and putting in extra workouts every single day. That consistency was his edge—not just during the off-season, not when he felt like it. 

Every. Single. Day. 

The Power of Process

In January 2022, I set my sights on personal growth through consistency. After finishing "Day One" of the Daily Stoic's New Year, New You Challenge, I chose my word for the year: PROCESS.

Why process? In 2019, life hit me hard and forced me to confront how I was managing stress. By 2020, I was floundering. Anxiety crept in, and I didn't have a clear direction on how to get through it. Midway through 2021, I began journaling again and reading more, but it still didn't feel like enough. My mental and emotional strength, relationships, and work all seemed fine from the outside, but deep down, I knew something had to change.

When 2022 arrived, I wanted something other than another short-lived resolution. I wanted real, lasting change. I realized that goals were good for short-term wins, but I needed a system—a process—I could rely on to thrive in the long term.

A process is a set of actions or steps you consistently follow to achieve a desired outcome. It's not just about the end goal but about the progress you make and the habits you build along the way.

"Goals are good for winning once. Systems are good if you want to win repeatedly. Goals get you championships. Systems create dynasties." 
— James Clear

So, I created a process. Simple but consistent. Every morning, I committed to a series of actions designed to build the life I wanted:

1. Wake up early before anyone else.
2. Do light exercise or stretching to get the blood flowing.
3. Meditate for 10 minutes, focusing on breathing and clearing my mind.
4. Spend 30-45 minutes reading something meaningful—often philosophy.
5. Take notes and write in my journal.

Sticking to the Routine

At first, it didn't feel like much was happening. Some days were more challenging than others, and I got frustrated when I didn't see immediate results. But I stuck with it. I tweaked the process as I went along, kept reading, writing, and meditating. I learned to be patient and trust the process. Eventually, things started to change.

A little over a year after starting the PROCESS, I wrote this in my journal:

Awakening.
Waking up.
Self-Realization.

Whatever you want to call it, I am in the process. I prefer "waking up," but it hit me the other morning - "So this is what's happening!" (Finally.)

This desire for growth, knowledge, and learning through reading, journaling, and consistently meditating has taken hold in some form. Where I find myself in the process of "change" is not about anything else but me. What's best for me—do those things!

Your Turn: What's Your Process?

This isn't just about me—it's also about you. It's about who you're becoming in the process. What's your routine? What systems are in place to help you grow and keep you on track?

Think about it: Who do you want to become? What do you want out of life? More importantly—what are you doing today to get there?

Remember, success is the result of actions repeated over time. If you have a goal, great—but pair it with a process that will get you there, step by step, day by day. That's how real, lasting change happens.

The Good Life Journal is a weekly newsletter curated from my journal, readings, and writings. Remember to subscribe to receive it emailed directly to your inbox and access exclusive content.

I'm glad to share the Good Life with you. If you feel it's beneficial, please share it with others.

~ Steve