In the Montessori world, we focus on the importance of process rather than product. We give children the opportunity to work through the steps rather than giving full attention to the final answer or outcome. This week, I had an awakening when I realized that in my own personal life, I have been focusing on product rather than process. Let me tell you the story…
Last Friday, I decided to pick-up knitting again. I use to knit regularly a few years ago but I had set it aside as my days were too busy for handicrafts. I found a blanket project I had started but only was about 20 rows in. However, after looking at the pattern, I had lost my place so I decided to take it apart and start over. I have picked it up a few days this week and was happy with my progress. For those who don’t knit, knitting is gratifying as the the piece grows very quickly and you can see your efforts with every row! Yesterday, I was looking over the blanket and realized that I had made a mistake. The pattern had shifted so things were not lining up properly and I made the decision to take the rows back to correct the error. Taking back a few rows is time consuming as you need to take back a stitch at a time. After taking back the rows, I realized that the original error was further back. I made the disappointing decision to rip the whole thing apart and completely start over again…my first thought was that I had wasted a whole week. Then it hit me! I was focusing on the product not the process. I had to rethink why I was knitting in the first place…it really wasn’t to make a blanket (which I don’t need) but it was the gratification of making something with my hands and keeping my mind challenged. I had enjoyed the few evenings knitting and listening to a podcast. The time was not wasted but well spent. It was only wasted if I focused on finishing the blanket not the enjoyment while doing it.
This got me thinking about how many other times have I focused on the end result and not enjoyed the process? If I truly believe that learning and satisfaction comes from the process and not the product, than I should be living this in my own life not just giving lip-serve to it. Can you think of a time when you focused on the end product and missed the enjoyment of the process?
