Why Process Goals Beat Outcome Goals

In this short, insightful deep dive, our hosts explore Megan Haskell’s August 2025 Indie Author Magazine article, "How Indie Authors Can Use Process Goals to Build a Sustainable Writing Career." Together, they dissect the truth about why so many ambitious projects and New Year's resolutions crumble—not because of character flaws, but goal-setting architecture.

They examine the crucial differences between outcome goals and process goals, delivering actionable strategies for reversing overwhelm and building lasting motivation. From unpacking why society’s advice often steers us the wrong way, to breaking down Haskell’s practical framework for indie authors (and anyone facing a daunting project), this episode equips listeners with tools for redefining success and resilience.

Whether you’re a writer, creative, or business-builder, you’ll find grounded advice, real-life scenarios, and a system for keeping your goals alive—even when life happens.

Key Segments:

• The Myth of Willpower and Why Goals Fail: 00:16

• Outcome Goals vs. Process Goals: 02:00

• Why Process Goals Protect Your Motivation: 04:17

• Reverse Engineering Big Dreams: 06:06

• The Living Document Framework: 09:46

• Celebrating Achievements and Sustaining Dopamine: 12:24

• Process, Purpose, and Personalization: 13:39

• Connecting Intention and Action—The Real Bridge: 16:00

• Final Reflection: Is the Process the Real Success?: 17:43

Tune in for a practical, psychology-informed roadmap to reshaping your ambitions—and your daily life.