Should you enjoy the process or the finish?
Have you ever set yourself a truly bold athletic goal—to run a full marathon, lose 20+ kg, or deadlift 100 kg with straight arms? We’re constantly surrounded by a goal-oriented mindset: everything is focused on the result. Often, we overlook the fact that the real value lies in the process itself.
If we don’t enjoy the process, we may reach our goal, but then we’ll give up and won’t set new ones. It’s possible that a few years later, we’ll find ourselves back at square one—or even worse off.
Think of a morning runner who wakes up before the rooster crows and the sun rises to train diligently day after day. His goal is to run a half-marathon this fall with a personal best. All his attention is focused on the date and the numbers—the seconds he needs to save on the course, the number of kilometers he needs to run. By focusing on the result, every run essentially becomes a means to an end, rather than something to be enjoyed. Perhaps he forgets to notice how beautiful the city is in the morning or how pleasant it is to simply go for a run because it lifts his spirits? They treat their training plan as if it were a chore they’re trying to rush through to reach the “real” result.
This approach is exhausting, and often, when we cross the finish line, we’re left with a strange sense of emptiness: “What now?” There may be a momentary sense of satisfaction, but if the process hasn’t offered enjoyment or a sense of progress, the end goal doesn’t provide much emotional reward. The euphoria of success fades faster than you might think.
Goals are still necessary, however
At the same time, a carefully set goal that motivates you and guides your actions is extremely valuable. How can you avoid a one-sided “results-above-all” mindset? One way is to view training as a process of self-discovery: as an experiment that helps you better understand your body and mind; as a daily moment during which you can be focused, present, and at peace. For example, a cyclist preparing for the Tartu Cycling Rally at the start of summer could take ten minutes at the end of each training session to analyze how their body reacted, what emotions it evoked, and what they learned from it. Look for small moments of joy—such as a beautiful view along a country road, a funny joke shared with a friend, or the pleasant sensation in your legs after powering through a slightly steeper “climb” at full speed. They’ll see the results anyway, but they won’t obsess over them—they’ll come gradually on their own, along with dedication and enjoyment.
It’s natural that goals motivate us to take action. However, we shouldn’t forget that true growth and satisfaction come from the journey itself. If we push ourselves solely for the finish line, a draining sense of emptiness will soon await us.
When we infuse every training day with experience, learning, and gratitude, the journey becomes infinitely more enjoyable. A goal is like a compass that helps us stay focused, but every step is worth noticing and savoring. That way, after every workout or race, you’ll walk away with a more enriching experience that has lasting value—and most importantly, you’ll be able to truly enjoy both your daily training and the thrill of crossing the finish line.
