The CEP Mindset Podcast

For most athletes, traditional goal setting is holding them back. Yes you read that right.

Goal setting itself is not the problem.

The problem is being obsessed with results. 

You can want and care about results, but the best athletes in the world are more obsessed with the process than results. This can be easier said than done.

I learned how big of a problem this is first hand. As a junior hockey player, I obsessed about points and my spot in the lineup.

The more I obsessed about results, the harder it was to achieve my goals. It was infuriating to want something so bad and work so hard, but when it was time to perform, I was in my own head, forcing plays, and underachieving.

I eventually realized I needed to let go of the results and prioritize my mental game.

Symptom vs Root Problem

What I didn’t understand, and most athletes don’t understand. is the difference between a symptom and the root problem.

The symptom you might be experiencing could be:

Overthinking Lack of confidence

Performance anxiety

Choking under pressure

Afraid to make mistakes

Worrying about what other people think

But the key to resolving the symptom is to clear your mental blocks.

Also known as getting to the root of the problem. And based on the thousands of mindset assessments we have conducted, it is unanimous that the most common and biggest root problem is an obsession with results.

The Process vs Results

Paradox Clearing this mental block, aka The Results Trap, can be challenging for numerous reasons.

First of which is the overuse of traditional goal setting that perpetuates this trap.

Second, is the Process vs Results Paradox - where by letting go of results and obsessing about the process, you will achieve greater results.

This presents a unique problem - if you try to let go of results so you can achieve results, then you have not let go of the results.

So you need a different reason to let go of the results, and I’m going to share that with you right now.

Here are the 3 steps to stop obsessing about results and start enjoying the journey.

STEP 1: Separate Your Goals from Your Why

The mistake most people make is they think the main reason they do something is to achieve the goals they have set.

Although there is ‘some’ truth to this, it will leave you in the results trap and it is not the full truth.

Although not all athletes are getting paid to play, the shiny objects of praise and results are what distract them as they climb the ranks.

You can have the goals and intentions to achieve certain results, but don’t confuse this for why you started playing your sport in the first place.

STEP 2: Intentionally Set Your Priorities

Now that you understand the difference between your why and your goals, you need to keep your why and your mindset your top priority.