The Creative Edge: Why Focusing on Process Transcends Outcome
In the world of creativity and problem-solving, success is often defined by the outcome — the finished product, the masterpiece, the applause of an audience. Yet, this fixation on outcomes can paradoxically hinder our creative potential. The Stoic thinkers, particularly Marcus Aurelius, had a different perspective: they believed that we should focus on what we can control — our actions and intentions — rather than on outcomes, which are often beyond our influence. By adopting this mindset, we can liberate ourselves from the anxiety of results and cultivate a powerful sense of purpose. For those interested in creative thinking, focusing on the journey rather than the destination can unleash deeper innovation, satisfaction, and resilience.
The Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius famously wrote, “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” This simple yet profound statement is the cornerstone of the Stoic approach to creativity. For creatives, this translates to focusing on the process — the effort we put in, the quality of our work, and the intention behind our actions. By shifting our attention to what we can control, we remove ourselves from the constant pressure of external validation and the uncertainty of results.
Consider a painter beginning a new work. If the painter is fixated solely on how the finished painting will be received — whether it will be praised or criticised, sold or ignored — they may experience anxiety and hesitation, ultimately stifling creativity. On the other hand, if the painter focuses on the act of painting itself — the brushstrokes, the interplay of colours, the joy of experimentation — they become fully immersed in the creative flow. The painter can create with freedom and authenticity by letting go of the outcome. This openness often leads to unexpected, innovative elements in the work — ideas that emerge spontaneously when the artist is fully immersed in the creative process, free from the constraints of expectation.
The Stoic emphasis on embracing what is within our control allows us to direct our energy where it matters most. In the creative process, we can control our dedication, attention to detail, and willingness to take risks. The outcome, however, is subject to many unpredictable factors, such as audience preferences, market trends, or timing. By focusing on what we can control, we ensure that we are giving our best effort without being paralysed by the uncertainty of external factors.
This philosophy can also be extended to collaborative projects. Focusing on individual contributions, effective communication, and shared values in team settings rather than obsessing over the final outcome fosters a healthier, creative environment. Teams that concentrate on the quality of collaboration and the creative process are often more successful in the long run as they cultivate trust, openness, and a commitment to the journey. The development of the Pixar movie Toy Story is an excellent illustration of this approach. The team focused on open communication, constructive feedback, and the creative process, ultimately leading to groundbreaking success. Throughout the project, Pixar’s creative team embraced a culture of collaboration where every idea was valued, and feedback was openly shared. This focus on the quality of collaboration and continuous improvement allowed the team to overcome technical challenges and narrative obstacles, resulting in a film that broke new ground in animation and storytelling.
Creativity thrives in a state of flow — a state where we are fully engaged, time seems to disappear, and our best ideas emerge effortlessly. This flow state is only possible when we focus on the present moment and immerse ourselves in the creation process. When we become too fixated on the outcome, we disrupt this state of flow, allowing worry and self-doubt to intrude on our creative space.
Think of a musician composing a new piece of music. Suppose they are preoccupied with whether the song will become a hit or whether critics will approve. In that case, they risk losing touch with the emotional depth and authenticity that make their music powerful. On the other hand, by focusing solely on the process — the melody, the harmonies, the emotions they want to convey — the musician allows their creativity to flourish, uninhibited by the pressure of future outcomes. This approach not only enhances the quality of the work but also makes the creative journey more rewarding.
By focusing on the process, we also build resilience against setbacks. Every creative endeavour has its challenges — ideas that don’t work out, projects that fail to meet expectations or audiences that respond indifferently. When we are overly attached to the outcome, these setbacks can feel devastating, leading to discouragement or even abandonment of the creative pursuit. However, when we see value in the process, setbacks become part of the journey, opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
A dancer preparing for a performance might face multiple challenges — physical exhaustion, injuries, or fear of making mistakes on stage. By focusing on rehearsing, refining technique, and expressing emotion through movement, the dancer can find fulfilment in each practice session, regardless of how the final performance turns out. This shift in mindset helps build resilience, transforming potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.
The creative world is full of uncertainty. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or a designer, there is no guarantee that your work will be appreciated or even noticed. This lack of certainty can be daunting, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking external validation as a measure of our worth. Stoicism offers a liberating perspective: focus on what you can control — your effort, your creativity, your passion — and let go of the need for approval from others.
Imagine a writer working on a novel. The pressure can stifle their creativity if they constantly worry about whether the book will be published or whether readers will love it. They may start second-guessing their ideas, trying to anticipate what others might want rather than staying true to their vision. However, if the writer shifts their focus to the process — crafting each sentence with care, developing characters with depth, and exploring the themes that matter to them — they are more likely to create something authentic and meaningful. By letting go of the need for external validation, they can produce work that resonates deeply because it comes from a place of genuine expression. Vincent van Gogh is a powerful illustration of this principle. Despite receiving little recognition during his lifetime, van Gogh continued to paint passionately and authentically, creating works that would become some of the most celebrated pieces in art history.
The pursuit of external validation can also lead to creative compromise. When we prioritise what others might think or how our work will be received, we may dilute our original ideas to fit perceived expectations. This compromise not only weakens the authenticity of our work but also diminishes our creative satisfaction. Focusing on the process allows our true voice to emerge, creating work unfiltered, bold, and genuinely representative of our vision.
Focusing on the process rather than the outcome also allows us to find fulfilment in our creative work. If we measure success solely by the end result, we risk overlooking the joy and growth of the creative journey. The process is where we learn, experiment, and discover new possibilities. It is where we experience the joy of creation and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. By valuing the process, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfilment that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Furthermore, focusing on the process helps us maintain motivation over the long term. Creative pursuits can often be slow, requiring months or even years of effort before any tangible results are visible. If we rely solely on outcomes for motivation, we risk losing steam before reaching our goals. Finding fulfilment in the day-to-day efforts keeps our motivation alive, making the creative process more sustainable and enjoyable.
One of the most profound benefits of focusing on the process is the opportunity for growth and learning. When we embrace the process, we allow ourselves to make mistakes, experiment with new ideas, and take creative risks. This freedom to explore without the fear of failure fuels true innovation. Every mistake becomes a lesson, every failed attempt a stepping stone towards improvement.
A software developer working on a new application might initially struggle with bugs and technical challenges. If they focus solely on launching a flawless product, they might feel overwhelmed and discouraged by these obstacles. However, by embracing the process, the developer can view each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. They can experiment with different solutions, learn new coding techniques, and gradually improve their skills. This approach enhances the final product and fosters a mindset of continuous growth and improvement.
Focusing on the process also allows us to cultivate patience — an essential quality for any creative endeavour. Creativity cannot be rushed, and meaningful work takes time. By valuing the journey, we learn to appreciate the slow, often unpredictable nature of the creative process. This patience allows us to delve deeper into our work, explore ideas more thoroughly, and produce greater depth and quality.
Practical Steps to Embrace the Process
If you want to incorporate the Stoic principle of focusing on the process into your creative practice, here are some practical steps to help you get started:
1. Set Process-Oriented Goals: Instead of setting goals that are solely outcome-based (e.g., “I want my painting to be featured in a gallery”), set goals that focus on the process (e.g., “I will paint for one hour every day”). Process-oriented goals are within your control and help you stay committed to your creative practice without being distracted by external factors.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for staying present in the creative process. Whether writing, painting, designing, or problem-solving, take a few moments to centre yourself before you begin. Focus on the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise during your creative work. This practice helps you stay connected to the process and prevents your mind from wandering to future outcomes.
3. Reframe Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: When things don’t go as planned, remind yourself that setbacks are part of the creative process. Instead of viewing them as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Reflect on what went wrong, what you can improve, and how the experience can inform your future work. This shift in perspective helps you stay resilient and motivated.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: The creative process is full of small victories — finishing a draft, solving a challenging problem, and learning a new technique. Take the time to celebrate these achievements, no matter how minor. By acknowledging and appreciating the progress you make along the way, you reinforce the value of the process and build momentum for continued creative exploration.
5. Detach from External Outcomes: Remind yourself that you cannot control how others will perceive your work or the final result. Focus on what you can control — your effort, your creativity, and your passion. By detaching from the outcome, you free yourself from the anxiety of external expectations and create with greater authenticity and joy.
6. Embrace Creative Play: Allow yourself to experiment without the pressure of producing something “good.” Engage in creative activities purely for the joy of it, without any concern for the final result. This kind of playfulness can help you reconnect with the intrinsic joy of the creative process and reduce the pressure to achieve specific outcomes.
7. Reflect Regularly on Your Process: Take time to reflect on your creative journey. What aspects of the process do you find most fulfilling? Where do you encounter resistance or frustration? By regularly reflecting on your process, you can identify areas where you might need to adjust your focus, let go of unrealistic expectations, or embrace new ways of working.
Focusing on the process rather than the outcome is a powerful Stoic principle that can transform the way we approach creativity. By directing our energy towards what we can control — our actions, our intentions, and our commitment to the craft — we liberate ourselves from the anxiety of external validation and the unpredictability of results. This shift in focus allows us to immerse ourselves fully in the creative journey, find joy and fulfilment in each step, and ultimately produce more authentic and impactful work.
Focusing on the process also helps us cultivate resilience, patience, and a growth mindset. It allows us to embrace setbacks as opportunities, celebrate small wins, and maintain motivation even when the final outcome is uncertain. By letting go of the need for external validation, we can create work that is true to our vision and find fulfilment in creation.
The next time you find yourself worrying about whether your creative project will be successful, take a moment to reflect on the words of Marcus Aurelius: “You have power over your mind — not outside events.” By embracing this wisdom, you can free yourself from the burden of outcomes and discover the true power of creativity in the process itself. Focus on the journey, and watch as your creativity flourishes, driven not by the need for external recognition but by the pure joy of creation.
By integrating these Stoic principles into your creative practice, you can transform your approach to problem-solving and innovation. Embrace the process, let go of the anxiety surrounding outcomes, and discover the freedom and fulfilment from focusing on what truly matters — your actions, passion, and creative journey.
