As seen in:
hackernews featureDesigner news featureDesigner news feature

Why You Should look at Everything as a Process

written by JIBRAN EL BAZI |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
oprah giving away stuff
"You get a process! And you get a process! Everyone gets a process!"

What is a Process?

Let's look at a simple (possible) morning routine. 

You wake up, take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, and get out the door.

The above is a process. It has specific steps (e.g., taking a shower). Which, in itself (the step), is a process. This 'taking a shower' process also has steps (e.g., grab soap).


morning routine process example
Morning routine process example (simplified)

You could continue towards smaller and smaller steps. 

But at some point, the step is so tiny; it's not worth looking at in itself.

Process defined

  • We can state a process is made out of steps, whereby each step can be identified as a process.
  • Next, we can describe a process as having a start, an end, and a specific outcome (goal).

Specifically with the morning routine example

  • The process starts with waking up and ends when getting out of the door.
  • The goal is to get out the door, clean, dressed and with food in your belly.
All steps in a process work towards its outcome.

When the steps are sub-processes, those sub-processes work towards their outcome — being part of the bigger whole.

Finally, it's only worth talking about a process when it is something you repeatedly do. At least more than once.

What is the use of looking at many things as a process?

It depends on what you want, of course. Do you want to change or improve things in your life, business, or community?

Likely! 

So it helps to describe the processes that drive the outcomes in those areas. You see, processes change. Either on purpose or by default.

Describing a process helps you to purposefully change the process towards a different (better) outcome.

You can change the process in different ways. The three main buckets you can organize them in:

  • Eliminate steps
  • Add steps
  • Optimize steps (Delegate, Automate, Change)

(More on these three another time.)

Concluding

Thinking through the Mental Model of 'Everything is a process,' boils down to something very empowering.

The power to change the world.

Describing a process is describing part of the world. When you want to change part of the world, you need to change its processes.

So, the reason you should look at everything as a process is so that you can change the world.

FOOTNOTES
More articles on this topic

I was inspired by Joe Pulizzi - he talks about creating excellent content - so I made a mega checklist to help you go through your content.

Read more...

Write. Lift. Repeat. Every day I write. Every day I lift weights. The next day I repeat. Simple as that. #WriteLiftRepeat. Of course you can do something different than lifting weights. Like running, keto-diet, cooking, sleeping well, etc. Want to join the Challenge of #WriteXRepeat?

Read more...

Learn how to use (30-day) personal challenges as a system to really improve your life.

Read more...

So I went to Joe with the plan to have a short chat to get to know him. That small chat turned out to be a three-hour conversation!

Read more...

I recently took an effort to consciously improve my writing. Julian Shapiro has an amazing resource. Here are my notes.

Read more...

That's why successful entrepreneurs preach like gospel, "You have to fail forward." Meaning you should not be afraid to fail.

Read more...

We're busy. So busy, we feel stressed. Is there a way to do all the things we want to do in our 'busy-ness,' but without stress? I think so.

Read more...

My dad frequently knew the route from memory, but I was eager to follow along on the map (and point out a quicker or alternative route).

Read more...

Like a flywheel, your life or business also captures energy that you can use to bring about change.

Read more...

Do you want to change or improve things in your life, business, or community? How is looking at all things as a process help? Let's find out!

Read more...

"When I'm really into the idea or topic, I regularly get out my notebook and start jotting down ideas or even an outline for the article to be written. During which I get ideas for other blog posts, which I then add to my ever-growing list of ideas."

Read more...

An atomic unit of production rarely lets you fall off the track, and when you do, it's super easy to get back on. Why? Because your unit of production is so clearly defined, small, and familiar, the threshold is low to start again.

Read more...

Leadership isn't just about driving results and pushing for performance. It's also about enjoying the journey, finding joy in the challenges, and yes, infusing a bit of playfulness into the mix. Let's dive into 31 thought-provoking prompts that will help any leader sprinkle a little fun into their role, without losing sight of their goals.

Read more...

What others think about my writing

"wow love the energy"

Theo

IFS practitioner

"Just read that and it's beautiful. So glad to have crossed paths with you."

Tanya

Writer & Visual storyteller

"Beautiful writing! Grateful to know you, grateful to walk side by side."

Rick Benger

Storyteller, Writer, Founder