In a Hurry to Be Done?

When we learn to appreciate the process of learning or accomplishing something new, each step along the way becomes a treasure.

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I’ve noticed in myself and many others what I call the “In a Hurry to Be Done” tendency. When I set out to learn something new, create a new habit, or launch a work project, a big part of me wants to be at the end—the point where I’m already reaping the benefits of my new endeavor.

For example, if I start lifting weights, I want to already be strong with big muscles—but the reality is that it might take the better part of a year before those muscles grow to where I want them. If I’m learning chess, I want to already be a great player—which could, in reality, take years to cultivate. If I’m building a YouTube channel, I want to already have 10k subscribers, which will definitely take a while to amass.

Essentially, when I start a new process, I want to have already succeeded.

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That’s the idea behind the “In a Hurry to Be Done” tendency.

Interestingly, this tendency is the source of the overwhelm that most of us feel when faced with a big list of tasks, an overflowing email box, or a house full of clutter that we want to simplify. It’s overwhelming because we want it all to be already done instead of having to face the mountain one step at a time.

Here’s what I’ve noticed about this tendency:

• We don’t enjoy the process. We’re so focused on getting to the end that we miss the fun along the way.
• We get frustrated and discouraged because we think we’re not progressing fast enough.
• We will often quit—because of the frustration and discouragement—before we get far enough to experience benefits.
• We get caught in the comparison trap. We fear we’re not progressing fast enough, so we look to see how fast others usually progress, trying to compare ourselves to standard benchmarks.
• Sometimes, we won’t even start because all of the above can be so discouraging, robbing us of enjoying the learning and growth that can be had in the process.

How to Overcome the Tendency

We can counter this tendency by simply giving ourselves over to the process. Immerse yourself in what you’ve chosen to learn, dive into the pile of tasks involved in a project, or commit to the book you’re writing—right now.

Find the joy in the process itself. Enjoy all the little bits and pieces that will eventually make up the whole.

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The benefits of completion will come eventually, but by enjoying each step, the entire path will be filled with accomplishments that we will appreciate every day.

Changing your habits can become much more enjoyable. Work and home projects, health and fitness activities—all become an opportunity to practice enjoying the process of creating. You’ll get there when you get there. Or perhaps you'll see that you’re already always there—right where you are.