"The Alignment of Aims: Finding Success in the Process"

"The Alignment of Aims: Finding Success in the Process"

In the pursuit of our goals, we often become fixated on the end result. We measure our success by whether or not we have achieved what we set out to do. However, the Japanese martial art of kyūdō offers a different perspective on success. In kyūdō, the focus is not on reaching the target, but on the way we approach it. It is the process itself that matters.

In the book "Zen in the Art of Archery," the master encourages the student to forget about the goal of hitting the target and instead focus on the way he aims. The way he holds the bow, the way he positions his feet, the way he breathes while releasing the arrow. It is through this attention to detail and the process of aiming that true success is found.

This philosophy can be applied to all areas of our lives. When we shift our focus from the end goal to the process, we learn to design a daily life that is fulfilling in itself. Whether or not we ever reach a hypothetical finish line becomes irrelevant because we are already enjoying the journey.

Thomas Fuller, an English writer from the 17th century, once said, "A good archer is not known by their arrows but by their aim." It is not the outcome that defines our success, but the way we approach it. When we prioritize our aims over our goals, we become more present in the moment and fully engaged in the process.

This concept of focusing on aims rather than goals can also be applied in the world of startups and entrepreneurship. In an article titled "If Morning Musume. Were an American Startup - Tax Fantasista," the author discusses Section 83(b) of the tax code. This section allows individuals to recognize income at the time of stock grant, regardless of conditions. By electing for Section 83(b), individuals take on the risk of not being able to reclaim taxes paid if they leave before the rights are vested.

However, there are benefits to making a Section 83(b) election. One such benefit is that the holding period for the stock starts from the time of grant. This means that once the vesting period is over, the individual has held the stock for over a year and can take advantage of the favorable capital gains tax rate.

In both kyūdō and startup culture, the emphasis is on the process rather than the end result. By aligning our aims with our actions, we can find success in the journey itself. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help incorporate this mindset into our own lives: