The Procedure vs. The Process : WOW Message April 2014
Sorry I’m a day late on this WOW Message for the Month of April, but hopefully you will still enjoy this. I have always been a believer in “Trusting the Process” and “No Struggle, No Progress”. Moreover, I've even blogged many times hinting that things will most definitely have to occur in succession for you to receive the high levels of noticeable achievement and success. However, after a discussion with a few people on last Sunday, and a sermon at church I was inspired to write a piece on the differences between a Procedure, and a Process. Many people have confused the two, and because of that perceived progress incorrectly. Please enjoy and leave feedback!
WOW MESSAGE April 2014: The Process vs. The Procedure
A Procedure: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting; a traditional or established way of doing things.
A Process: a series of actions that produce something or that lead to a particular result; a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes.
Above you will find the Merriam Webster definition of both A Procedure, and a Process. Though there are many levels and applications of both words, I tried to pick out the most common and general definitions to call out and demonstrate how there exist distinct differences between the two; moreover likewise to elaborate on how realizing the difference may help you to identify with which should be your focus at any given time.
When I first think of Procedures and Processes, I try to break it down into what each consists of. First of that being “steps and stages.” I believe with a Procedure you either create steps, or in most cases the steps are provided to you. There is limited to no prep work involved, little to no trial and error, and little to no surprise on the results of each steps. With a Procedure, you know the outcome, you are made aware of how long, each task and activity should take. Additionally, you have a sense of when and how you will achieve the desired result. However, with a process there aren’t defined and established steps. As the definition mentions, this is a natural phenomenon marked by changes. Two people can get to the same destination by going through two totally different processes. And each stage within these processes is an opportunity for development, an opportunity for growth, and a way to live life a bit more on the edge by not knowing what’s on the other side of each day of life. Lastly, I think about when a person completes a step it does not necessarily mean that they have made progress in their life, however when a person transitions from stage to stage with merited effort, demonstrated focus, and proven will power comes a fulfillment that one may not achieve with completing a set of predetermined tasks. SO are you following steps, or are you going through stages?
Likewise when I think about the differences between Procedures and Processes, I think about the timing it takes to accomplish each. In the previous section we briefly talked about steps vs stages. When I think about procedures that have been handed down, or provided to me I know how long it’s going to take. Often times, I’ll choose a predefined procedure over a process if I simply want a result fast, and without a lot of extra details. Though I’m not a supporter of “immediate satisfaction”, there are times when I’d prefer not to sweat the journey or extraneous details. On the other hand, it’s the gradual and phenomenal transformation that occurs DURING the process that I value with some of the most exciting and surprising blessings that I’ve received. It’s the gradual trial and error, preparation, teaching and adaptation that occurs during the ever-changing and undefined stages of a process that help to define character, and promote patience. Procedures lack that spontaneity but get you to where you want to be fast, and without much worry. However, many people looking for procedures, to reach a goal that requires a process find themselves at the finish line and not strong enough to hold the winner’s trophy.
That last sentence is a perfect transition to my last juxtaposition: The Result vs The Journey. I read a book called the Alchemist some time ago, about a young man that wanted to be an Alchemist so badly. That’s all he wanted, He needed to find one that would tell him the secrets of how to achieve this mystical and position of power in the land. However, when he set out on this quest to accomplish his goal, he found out that the ‘procedure’ that he had conjured up in his head was not as easily applied to getting where he needed to be. It was the journey that he went through that helped him realize that’s sometimes there’s more in the journey than it is in the destination. Two people can become millionaires in their lifetime, one person by the lottery and the other by starting their own business. The one who went through the stages of saving, investing, and developing smart wealth strategies will most likely maintain this financial status, longer than the person who followed the procedure of buying 2 quick picks and got lucky. I give these examples to say this: Don’t neglect the journey; do not be so center-focus that you don’t take the time to check left and check right, and appreciate the lessons learned, mistakes made, and milestones achieved along the way.
Though a short message, I think it’s important to recognize some of the unique differences between applying a procedure and living a process. I think I’ve made it obvious that the real reason behind this message is to bring more attention to the process of life, and how we must put down this fast-pace, immediate gratification approach and learn how to let life teach us how to appreciate what’s to come our way. I was inspired to write this message by two sermons that I heard last Sunday (April 27). The preachers both mentioned processes and procedures. And from a spiritual standpoint I’ll wrap this blog like this: We pray for many things, and God may answer you with a process. And he does that for many reasons. 1) He wants your store to help inspire, encourage and motivate other people. There are others that might be in similar stages, or STUCK in a stage, and have no clue how to get out. Maybe you will run into them on your journey and reach the top together. 2) If you got what you wanted, right when you wanted it, you wouldn’t be able to handle it. You would find yourself in the hot seat of a destination by which you thought you wanted, but quite frankly you’re not ready to handle.
Whether you believe in a higher power or not, this reigns true. If you got everything you wanted, right when you wanted it, you would find yourself to be quite shallow. Mistakes, rollercoaster-like lifestyles, milestones, life-lessons all give you depth. It helps to develop a root system amongst yourself, and likewise in the community in which you find yourself in motion.
Challenge: Take some time soon to evaluate the things going on in your life. Evaluate the type of person you are: Do you always look for the quickest way to your goals? Are you willing to take on the challenges brought to you by mentors & sponsors as they lead you through various processes? Are you even aware of the differences between the two? Get a mentor and discuss where you want to go in life. Following that, ask them how to get there. Even if they give you their “formula” or “procedure” the outcomes won’t be exactly the same…. Take the time to become the best you can embrace the process, notice the progress, and enjoy remarkable and tremendous success!
With Passion Purpose, & Pride,
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