10 Strategies for Balance: Detaching from Outcomes While Achieving Goals

What is detachment?

Simply put - detaching is remaining objective (or aloof) towards a person or situation. There are a variety of ways we all practice detachment, and today we want to focus on how to that in a healthy manner, while actively pursuing our goals.

A Balancing Act…

Practicing detachment from outcomes - while actively pursuing our goals is a delicate balancing act. If you are anything like me, you tend to focus on the outcome, as it serves as a primary source of motivation. However, since entering my 30’s, I’ve realized that we actually have very little control over most outcomes.

I’ve learned that the most valuable part is, in fact, actually the journey towards the outcome. It is through that process where I have gained valuable insight, knowledge, perseverance, and, in most cases, new perspectives.

Understanding the potential for personal growth through any process has helped me comprehend the power of detaching from the outcome. The outcome still remains a positive motivating force while balancing mindfulness, acceptance, and a healthy perspective on my idea of success and the universe’s change of plans (you like that spin!).

Helpful Strategies:

Here are 10 helpful intentional strategies to achieving balance in this practice:

1. Focus on the process not just the outcome:

   • Shift your focus from the end result to the journey itself. Focus on the steps you’re taking and the skills you’re developing. Embrace the present moment and find joy in the process working towards your goals.

2. Set Intentions, Not Expectations:

   • Instead of rigid expectations, practice positive intentions. Clarify what you want to achieve, and the effort you’re willing to put in. Be open to the idea that the outcome may be different from the initial expectations.

3. Practice Mindfulness and remain Present:

   • Cultivate mindfulness by remaining present in each opportunity. Redirect any worries regarding the future to the current moment and focus on the tasks at hand.

4. Embrace the Learning Opportunities:

   • View challenges and set backs as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Understanding that not achieving a specific goal does not diminish your value.

5. Release perfectionism:

   • Remind yourself that perfectionism is a myth and can increase stress. Focus on excellence, and giving yourself grace if things don’t go as planned.

6. Celebrate smalls wins:

   • Small wins are actually huge! Celebrating victories helps us feel better within the process, and can provide great motivation.

7. Detach your self worth from outcomes:

   • Understand that your worth and value is not determined by any particular goals. Recognize your inherent value outside of any external validation.

8. Cultivate Gratitude:

   • Give thanks for every opportunity, your talents, and resources. When we focus on what we are grateful for, it can help shift our perspective.

9. Understand the influence of external factors:

   • Recognize there are some things that are beyond our control, and can influence our outcomes. Detach by acknowledging that some elements are beyond our scope of understanding. Good news though - most of the time when this happens we are rewarded with something better!

10. Reflect and Adjust goals:

    • Remember to take a moment to reflect on your goals, and pivot if need to be based on new information.

    Use these tips in your daily practice as you master The Art of Detachment - While actively pursuing your goals! While Actively pursing your goals!

    Here’s to an invigorating year!