Introduction

For years, I believed that setting goals was the key to success. Want to get in shape? Set a fitness goal. Want a successful business? Set a yearly revenue goal. But chasing these result-driven goals often led to stress, frustration, and a nagging sense of unfulfillment. The real change happened when I shifted my approach—moving from focusing on outcomes to setting process goals. And eventually, I realized the most impactful approach was aligning my goals and habits with my desired identity.

Result goals focus on the end outcome, while process goals emphasize the daily actions that shape who you become. Process goals are actionable steps that help you embody your desired identity. For instance, writing 500 words daily is a process goal that reinforces the identity of being a writer.

Studies show that process-oriented thinking leads to greater resilience and long-term success than focusing solely on outcomes. Let’s explore why focusing on process goals and identity leads to deeper, more sustainable success.

Why Result Goals Alone Don’t Work

1. Winners and Losers Have the Same Result Goals

Every Olympian wants a gold medal. Every entrepreneur wants a profitable business. If setting result goals were enough, everyone would succeed, right? But the real difference isn’t the goal itself—it’s the systems, habits, and identity they cultivate along the way.

The most successful people don’t just set goals; they adopt behaviors that reinforce who they are becoming. When actions align with personal or social identities, they feel natural and sustainable. Conversely, behaviors that contradict identity feel forced and are harder to maintain. This is why focusing on identity-based habits makes long-term success more attainable and fulfilling.

2. Result Goals Only Create Temporary Change

Imagine setting a goal to clean your messy room. You may find the motivation to clean it, and as a result, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. But unless you develop habits that align with the identity of “I am an organized person,” the clutter will return. Result goals provide direction, but without process goals and identity-based habits, they rarely create lasting change. Research in behavioral psychology confirms that long-term success is more likely when people focus on the daily processes that reinforce their desired identity rather than fixating solely on results (Latham & Locke, 2007).

3. Result Goals Restrict Your Happiness

How often have you thought, “I’ll be happy when I achieve this goal”? This mindset postpones satisfaction, keeping happiness just out of reach. The problem is that once you reach the goal, the feeling is often fleeting, and a new milestone takes its place. Instead of chasing an ever-moving target, shift your focus to process goals that reinforce your identity (e.g., “I am someone who values health”). When your daily actions align with your core values, joy becomes a part of the journey, not just the destination. This realization was a turning point for me, helping me move from frustration to fulfillment by embracing the person I wanted to become rather than fixating on outcomes.

4. Result Goals Create the “Yo-Yo” Effect

Focusing solely on result goals often leads to temporary commitment followed by a return to old habits. Take marathon training, for example. Many people dedicate months to rigorous preparation, but once race day passes, they stop running entirely. Why? Because their identity remains that of someone who “trained for a marathon” rather than “I am a runner.”

To create lasting change, you need to ground your habits in your identity. Instead of viewing running as a means to an end, adopt the mindset of a runner—someone who runs not just for a race, but because it’s a core part of who they are. This subtle mental shift builds consistency and prevents the motivation crashes that come with short-term goals.

Research supports this idea. Studies on habit formation (Lally et al., 2010) indicate that behaviors connected to a person’s identity are much more sustainable than those motivated solely by external goals. When your actions align with your identity, they become effortless and instinctive rather than feeling like a chore.

But remember, result goals are not inherently bad—they provide direction and clarity. However, they must be paired with process goals and identity-based habits to create sustainable progress.

The Power of Identity-Based Habits

If result goals aren’t enough, what is? The answer lies in shifting from an outcome-oriented mindset to one focused on identity and process. Studies indicate that those who adopt a process-based approach are better equipped to handle setbacks and maintain long-term motivation compared to those who only focus on end goals.

1. Start with Identity, Not Outcomes

Instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” say, “I am someone who prioritizes health.” Your habits then become actions that reinforce this identity (e.g., walking daily or eating nutritious meals).

To take this further, dig into the deeper motivation behind your goal and transform it into a personal quality. For example, instead of simply wanting to lose weight, recognize the value behind it—perhaps it’s about feeling more confident, having better mobility, or enjoying an active lifestyle. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” you might say, “I am a self-assured individual who trusts my body and abilities, who moves freely and navigates daily life with ease.” This shift connects your goal to your identity, making it more meaningful and sustainable.

2. Define Process Goals That Reflect Your Identity

Process goals are not just steps toward an outcome—they are daily affirmations of who you are becoming. Each small action taken consistently reinforces your identity, creating momentum toward long-term success.

• Example: Instead of saying, “I want to write a book,” commit to “I will write 500 words every morning because I am a writer.” This shift transforms writing from a task into a habit that aligns with your core identity, making it easier to stay motivated and consistent.

3. Focus on Small Wins

Each small win is a vote for your desired identity. Over time, these votes accumulate, shifting your self-perception and making success feel effortless.

Writing one paragraph reinforces “I am a writer.” Going for a 5-minute walk reinforces “I am someone who values fitness.”

These seemingly minor actions, repeated consistently, solidify your identity over time. The power of small wins lies in their compounding effect—each habit builds momentum, creating an effortless shift in self-perception. Eventually, these habits become ingrained, making success feel natural rather than forced.

4. Build Systems for Consistency

Use tools like habit stacking (pairing new habits with existing ones) or time-blocking to create routines that align with your identity. By embedding small, intentional actions into your daily schedule, you create an environment that fosters long-term success.

• Example: “After I brush my teeth in the morning, I will write one sentence in my journal.” Over time, this simple action strengthens your identity as someone who reflects and writes daily, making it a natural part of your routine rather than a forced task.

5. Reflect and Adjust Regularly

Processes evolve as you grow, and so should your approach. At regular intervals (e.g., weekly or quarterly), take a step back and assess whether your habits align with your desired identity. Ask yourself: Are these habits still serving me? Do they reflect who I want to become? If not, tweak and refine them. Growth isn’t about rigidly sticking to a plan—it’s about staying adaptable and ensuring that your habits continue to support your evolving goals and identity.

Final Thoughts

Stop fixating on outcome goals; recognize their value as they provide direction and clarity. However, it’s important to pair them with process goals and identity-based habits to create sustainable progress. When you align your daily actions with the person you want to become, success becomes not only inevitable but also fulfilling, as it is rooted in authenticity.

Are you ready to shift your focus? Start by asking yourself: Who do I want to become? Then, design processes that enable you to prove that identity every day.