9.29 Rory McIlroy: The Process Over Results

“I kept telling myself this word, process. Focus on my process, don’t care about the result.” - Rory McIlroy

Do you focus more on the process or the result?

Rory McIlroy is one of the most successful golfers ever. He once said, “I kept telling myself this word, process. Focus on my process, don’t care about the result.”

Results come and go, but the process is what you can actually control. When Rory says he kept reminding himself about the word “process,” he’s pointing to a mindset shift. Instead of obsessing over outcomes—winning, losing, shooting a certain score—he chose to anchor his attention on the steps, routines, and habits that put him in the best position to succeed.

This approach is powerful because results are often influenced by things outside your control—weather, luck, an opponent’s performance, or timing. But the process belongs fully to you. It’s the way you practice, how you prepare, the focus you bring, and the effort you commit each day. When you keep your eyes on the process, pressure fades. Instead of being paralyzed by “what ifs,” you gain confidence knowing you’ve done the work.

McIlroy’s reminder is also a form of resilience. Even if the result doesn’t go your way, if you stick to your process, you can walk away knowing you stayed true to your plan. Over time, consistent focus on the process tends to produce the outcomes you want—but without the anxiety of chasing them directly.

For athletes, leaders, or anyone facing big challenges, this perspective is freeing: trust the process, and let the results take care of themselves.

Question of the Day: When you’re under pressure, how can you remind yourself to stay focused on the process instead of stressing about the result?