Where’s Your Focus?

In 2024 I attended a writers’ conference where Chris Fabry, writer of The Forge, and many other books, was one of the main speakers. In his workshop, Chris spoke on the difference between process and outcome. In this post, I’d like to share a little of what I gained from his workshop.

Validation in the Process

What if we focus on process rather than outside validation? Chris said that if we attach self to outcome, we set ourself up to expect, and thus fail.

External validation can make and break us. Internal validation is what no one can take away. Validation can’t be what we place our identity on. That’s not to say we can’t be validated and encouraged by others.

What it says is that we don’t have any control over outcomes. We can’t control who will publish our books, reviews, sales, or readers' reactions.

He cautioned that we not become fixed on outcome, rather than process itself. The process is what matters most to eventual success in the end.

In speaking about validation, Chris mentioned that his writing is more about his own heart than about fame, fortune, and everything else that goes along with it.

Process vs. Outcome

Process embraces what God wants. Outcome embraces what I want. Outcome narrows your focus. When you are outcome focused, your life becomes smaller. You define yourself by what you do, accomplish.

Process opens up your life. It widens your focus. You define your life not by what you do, but by who you are.

Chris said outcome is an X-cel spreadsheet. Process is a blank page.

Process grows thankfulness and gratitude in the middle of the writing. Outcome says we can’t be thankful until we reach our end goal.

Process is fully trusting that God is in control. Outcome leaves God out and trusts in our own ability.

Process savors. Outcome hurries.

Process consists of trust, faith, hope, and the belief God is good. On the other hand, outcome is anxious, controlling, and fearful.

Important Questions to Ask Ourself

• Why do I want to write?
• Is it to see my name on a book?
• What’s my motivation?
• How will I gauge whether or not I succeed?
• Is it the number of sales?
• Money?
• If I win an award?
• A big contract?

Your Turn

I’ll end with what I received from Chris’ closing words.

If you live by outcome, you live in a constant state of setback and defeat; rejection that says you are a failure. If you live by process, you realize rejection, setback, and defeat is all part of the process that comes with progress.

Chris continued by saying, God is disinterested in the outcome I crave. God, in his kindness, is committed to the process of conforming me into the image of his Son.

The struggle is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of life. The struggle is how we participate with God in the writing process.

In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NCV

I wish you well.

Sandy

Picture courtesy Pixabay.