Focus on the (learning) process, not the result.

For more than 2 years, Montreal head coach Jacques Martin (quote) has been repeating this sentence. It may have taken 30 times for it to sink in but, I finally understood what he was getting at.

Being fairly impatient – generally expecting immediate results – I realized that, if you focus on obtaining results from Day 1, your potential for success will be inferior to your potential if, from the start, you learn the rights things the right way.

Success is something you build up. You need to take steps to solidify your skills, credibility and relationships before you can expect results. Overnight success is not sustainable; it’s probably not what you’re after. Focus on the process before you focus on the results.

Note: A graphic could certainly illustrate this very well.