Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it…

📈 What Type of Goals Should You Set?

Think about something in your life that you want to change.

Do you want to make more money?

Lose weight?

Have stronger relationships?

To get any of these results, you have to set a goal.

Unfortunately, many people get it wrong when it comes to goal setting.

Think of it this way…

In a few weeks, it will be a new year.

And right before 2025, you’ll see lots of people start talking about their New Year’s Resolutions. 

They’ll say things like:

● "I want to get in better shape."

● "I should probably eat healthier."

● "I need to save more money."

● "I want to find someone to love."

● "I should quit smoking."

What’s the problem with these statements?

The issue is these resolutions focus on what are called “outcome goals” instead of “process goals,” which often sets them up for failure.

So in today’s email, we’ll talk about the difference between the two and then you will learn why it’s dangerous to focus on just outcome goals. 

Let's get started…

Process Goals VS Outcome Goals

Process goals are the milestones that you can completely control.

These are the specific actions where you can say you either did or didn’t complete them. 

For example, you could set a process goal of going to the gym 4 times a week.

Either you went to the gym that many times or you didn’t.

On the other hand, outcome goals focus on a specific milestone that is often out of your control.

For instance, a few outcome goals could include earning $100K in a year, beating your friend in a 5K, or losing 20 pounds in three months. 

The truth is, even if you’re 100% dedicated to a results goal, you might hit an unforeseen obstacle that prevents you from reaching this milestone.

Sure, it’s good to set ambitious goals, but sometimes even if you do all the right things, you won’t be successful.

The Danger of Focusing on Just Outcome Goals

The main issue is it’s too easy to become obsessed with our desired results instead of all the steps that are required to get there. 

This can lead to negative thinking -- especially when you encounter a challenging obstacle.

For instance, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds and you become consumed with this outcome, you subconsciously tell yourself:

“I won’t be happy until I lose 20 pounds.”

And even worse…

You will focus on what you haven’t achieved instead of the behaviors that you can control.

You will start to think that you don’t “deserve” happiness until you lose exactly 20 pounds. 

When you value the results over a process, you might not notice the small, positive incremental changes that you’re actually making. 

Focusing on outcome goals can also encourage the wrong kinds of behaviors. 

If you’re only concerned about the numbers, you may ditch healthy weight-loss habits for a crash diet that can temporarily move the scale at the expense of your long-term health.

Why You Should Focus on Process Goals

Now, if you set process goals, you’ll focus on the right behaviors that will ultimately help you reach the milestones that you want in life.

So if we continue with the weight loss example from before, you could set a variety of process goals like:

● "Go to the gym 4 times a week."

● "Walk 10,000 steps each day."

● "Eat 7 servings of fruits & vegetables each day."

● "Drink 64 ounces of water each day."

● "Reduce my carb intake to 300 grams per day."

See how each of these process goals is entirely under your control? 

Either you complete these goals or you don’t. 

And the interesting thing is that when you “follow the process,” you will typically achieve the outcome goals that you really want. 

For instance, if you focus on quality, healthy food and get more exercise, then it’s relatively easy to shed those pounds.

(Sidebar: As a reminder, we have a variety of printables that can help you set and achieve your goals.)

What’s the Lesson Here?

Whenever you’re about to set a goal, think about the process that will get you there.

Ask yourself:

“What habits do I need to build in order to reach this goal?
Then instead of setting an arbitrary results goal, write down process goals where you are in 100% control of the outcome. 

And once you set these outcome goals, create habits around these behaviors.

So, bottom line:

Follow the process and the results will come.

⚙️1% Habit Idea

Today’s idea can help you save a lot of money – especially if you have a family.

We often default to paid options when it comes for looking for ways to entertain ourselves. But it’s possible to get out of the house and enjoy yourself without spending money, but many people often overlook this tactic because they think it doesn’t sound as fun as a fancy dinner.

But think of it this way: dinner and a movie for two can easily cost more than $150. This money could be better spent on groceries or paying off credit card bills.

If you take the time to research free activities in your area and substitute them for those lavish nights out, then you can enjoy something fun without it negatively impacting your financial situation.

How to Get Started

Dedicate five to ten minutes each week to planning your schedule. Check your local paper or community calendar, or do a quick Google search for upcoming events.

Then choose a few you’d like to do and write them down in your calendar so you don’t forget about them.

Here are some suggestions of fun activities that are completely free:

● Visit a free museum or zoo.

● Join a local club for a hobby that you love.

● Volunteer at a nearby charity or church event.

● Play your favorite board game with the family.

● Set aside time to just relax and read books or watch movies.

● Plan a relaxing bike ride with your family in a scenic part of your area.

● Leverage your library. Most libraries have extensive CD and DVD collections, activities for children, film nights, book clubs, and many other events.

● Figure out a walking tour. One of the truths of life is that most people only explore the history of the area they live in when people come to visit. You can be different by learning about your community and exploring it.

Notice how all these ideas are completely free?

Most of the time, people gravitate to expensive activities (like a dinner out) because they don’t take the time to plan ahead.

But if you set aside time each week, you can easily find fun stuff to do that doesn’t cost much.

🗂️ The Resource Roundup

📖 The Key Lessons from 10 Important Books on Productivity - Looking for a fresh approach to productivity? Scott H. Young’s article distills key lessons from classic and modern texts, offering actionable insights to help you manage energy, foster meaningful work, and align productivity with a fulfilling life.

🧠 The C Word - What would you do if life blindsided you with the ultimate uncertainty? In this deeply personal and poignant article, Jonathan Clements shares profound lessons on gratitude, purpose, and financial wisdom as he navigates a terminal cancer diagnosis, offering readers a rare perspective on what truly matters amidst life’s unpredictability.

🏅 Greedy People Might Be Frowned Upon, But Are They the Winners? - Is greed a key to success or a path to dissatisfaction? This article dives into the dual nature of greed, showing how it can fuel ambition and wealth while risking emotional well-being and relationships—a must-read for understanding the fine line between drive and excess.

☀️ Practice of the Month: Cultivating a Habit of Optimism - Can a simple three-second habit really transform your outlook on life? This article shows how starting your day with a positive phrase can rewire your brain for optimism, helping you build resilience and embrace challenges with a brighter mindset.

🤐 13 Harsh Truths About Success Nobody Told You - Are you chasing success but feeling disillusioned by what you see online? This thought-provoking article by Sahil Bloom reveals 13 harsh truths about success that challenge the filtered narrative we’re sold, offering raw, actionable insights to reshape your journey and find fulfillment in the process.

I hope you’re having a great start to your week!

Talk soon.

Cheers,

Steve Scott 

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