"If you focus on the result too much, you are going to be under pressure"

When you get fixated on the outcome, you end up stressing yourself out. This idea is pretty straightforward: when you’re overly concerned about achieving a particular result, it creates unnecessary pressure. Think about it. If you're always worrying about whether you'll ace a test, land a job, or win a game, you’re not focusing on the steps you need to take to get there. Instead, you're just stressing yourself out.

This concept has historical roots. It’s a lesson that’s been echoed by athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists throughout time. Take a look at the world of sports. Athletes who focus solely on winning often find themselves choked up by anxiety. In contrast, those who concentrate on their training, their form, and their day-to-day improvements tend to perform better in the long run. Why? Because they’re concentrating on the process, not just the end goal.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture Sarah, a college student who’s desperate to graduate with honors. She’s so focused on her GPA that she starts to crack under the pressure. Every test feels like a make-or-break moment. Her anxiety skyrockets, and ironically, her grades start to slip. Now, imagine if Sarah shifted her focus. Instead of obsessing over her final GPA, she concentrates on understanding the material, participating in class, and improving bit by bit. By focusing on her daily tasks and learning, she reduces her stress and, guess what, her grades improve.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Shift your focus to the journey. Instead of fixating on the result, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your small victories. If you’re working on a big project, don’t just think about the final presentation. Focus on each section you complete. Reward yourself for making progress. This approach not only reduces pressure but also makes the entire process more enjoyable.

Imagine you’re training for a marathon. If all you think about is crossing the finish line, every training session becomes a test. You start questioning your capability, worrying about the race day, and soon enough, running starts to feel like a chore. But if you concentrate on each run, enjoy the fresh air, the rhythm of your feet hitting the ground, and the gradual improvement in your stamina, you’ll find the entire experience more fulfilling. Plus, without even realizing it, you’re getting closer to your goal.

Here’s a personal touch. Think about a time when you were so caught up in the outcome that it stressed you out. Maybe it was a job interview. You were so worried about getting the job that you couldn’t focus on showcasing your skills or connecting with the interviewer. Now, flip the script. Imagine you focused on the conversation, on presenting your experiences honestly and confidently, without the looming thought of “Will I get the job?” hanging over your head. How much better would you have felt? And chances are, you’d have performed better too.

So next time you find yourself under pressure, pause. Redirect your focus. Concentrate on the small steps, the daily tasks, and the progress you’re making. The result? Less stress, more enjoyment, and ironically, a better chance of achieving that end goal.