Imagine doctors being judged only by whether or not their patients get sick. Every time a patient gets sick, the doctor is put on administrative leave and has to go through more training. Or, imagine police officers being relieved of their duties every time a crime is committed in their area of responsibility. The outcome is important, but it’s only one of many things we should consider. And the outcome is something we often over-emphasize. Focusing only on the outcome seems logical. However, when we try to force a certain outcome or convince ourselves we NEED a certain outcome, we’re trying to control things we can’t control. As a result, anxiety is reinforced and continues. Focusing on the process is more realistic. It acknowledges and accepts that though we really want a certain outcome, ultimately it’s outside our control. It accepts uncertainty. Focusing on the process isn’t free of anxiety though. But, as long we keep refocusing our attention on the next small step within our control and resist the urge to chase certainty, we avoid reinforcing the anxiety cycle. Often the anxiety gets bored and will pass.