How to fall in love with the process

What if the real magic isn't found in achieving great goals? What if the real magic is happening in the process?

I had this thought during an indoor training ride this week. Monotony can sharpen the mind. And let me tell you, pushing and pulling a pedal in circles while going nowhere is the birthplace of monotony. As snow blanketed Vancouver and I was confined to treadmill and training bike workouts, I had to work extra hard to find inspiration. So my mind rested on some of the big goals I set coming into 2025 - one of them being a World Major in Chicago.

As I felt that tingle of excitement, that drip of dopamine, in thinking of Chicago, I realized it wasn’t the roar of the crowd or the thrill of travel was building anticipation in my body—it was the grind—the hill workouts, the exhaustion, the sense of accomplishment of waking up and pushing through another day, the pursuit.

I saw every step ahead, every moment of struggle, and I realized I was in love with the becoming—the fire of change, the mastery of my craft, the process itself. Whether in sport or business, it’s in the work, the dedication, and the push beyond limits where we uncover our most powerful selves.

Detaching from the Outcome & Sinking Into the Present Moment

Learning to fall in love with the process is a craft. Think of the grip on your golf club – it must be light for the power to remain in the swing. I fought this for so long, squeezing too hard and trying to control the club by clamping down, to my detriment. I wore through the grip of my driver within three months before I learned that real mastery comes from effort balanced with ease, intention, and trust.

To get to that place of flow at first, it can feel like luck—a fleeting state that comes and goes, but with practice, the flow becomes intentional. A deep breath, a steady focus, the release of attachment to pace or outcome. Whether you’re building a business, racing the perfect course, or nurturing a lasting relationship, the key is to pursue it tightly while holding it lightly. Set a plan, and commit to everything you have, but don’t grip so hard that you lose the magic. True power comes when you trust the process and let go.

Keep the Process Playful

It’s easy to get swept up in the result, but I’ve learned that the process holds the most value. To shift from an outcome-based pursuit to a process-based pursuit, embrace the magic of each day. Focus and attention on the present moment and practice gratitude for the new things you learn daily, even when the lesson is hard-earned.

Even when deadlines are tight, the stakes are high, the pressure is on, or your body is exhausted on a training day, the secret is keeping the process interesting and having fun along the way. Adopt a curious mindset while sticking to your plan. Ask yourself, “I wonder what would happen if…”

This week on the stair climberI, I wondered how my body would feel if I took double steps or how my calves would feel if I put more weight on my toes. It can be easy to forget to be curious when following a plan, but curiosity is a form of play, and playfulness is integral to falling in love with the process.

Daily Behaviours of Process-Oriented People

Falling in love with the process means greeting the day with curiosity and openness, embracing imperfections as stepping stones rather than obstacles. Process-oriented people shift their mindset to the process, and they show up, rain or shi,ne, because the process is fulfilling. They find play in the doldrums. These people celebrate the little wins, enjoy refining their skills, and find deep satisfaction in progress—not perfection.

So, how can you get there? Here are some steps to start falling in love with the process over performance:

• Stay Curious & Open – Approach every task with the fresh energy of a beginner.

• Embrace Imperfections – See setbacks as a chance to learn more from the moment.

• Show Up Consistently – Honor the process, even on tough days.

• Use Play to Experiment & Adapt – Explore new methods and adjust as you grow.

• Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge the beauty in every step forward.

• Fall in love with how it feels to grow - Process first.

• Find Joy in Mastery – Delight in refining and improving your craft just for the sake of it.

• Share the Journey – Connect with others and build your community.

• Value Rest & Recovery – Know that rest is a powerful part of progress.

• Train for the Love of It – Commit to the process, even without a race to win.

These are the habits of top performers who not only stick with their pursuits but find deep, lasting joy in the day-to-day experience of it all. They know that joy is in the doing, not just the result.

Now it’s your turn; how will you fall in love with the process?

What if, just for a moment, you trained, moved, or worked simply for the pure joy of it? What if you allowed yourself to enjoy the process for its own sake?

When you fall in love with the journey, it stops being a grind and becomes a gift—a sacred ritual where you meet yourself in all your beauty and growth. If motivation ever wavers, ask yourself:

What would it feel like to train just for the sake of it? To run, cycle, or lift simply because movement feels good? You can try leaving your watch at home or changing your route.

If you’re a business owner, dive into the parts of your business that spark creativity or enthusiasm, “the reason I got into this.” Devote some time to the visionary side of your work, dreaming up future ideas or refining your craft just for the love of it.

When you fall in love with the process, training stops feeling like a grind and becomes a gift, ritual, and space to meet yourself exactly as you are every day. So next time you’re on the bike, the treadmill, or the road, take a deep breath, fix your gaze just ahead, and sink into the rhythm.

That’s where the magic happens.