The first month of the new decade is over. Did you accomplish your goals? Is measuring success based on the calendar a good approach for success?

We are certainly drawn to the notion of setting objectives against timeframes. But as The Methodology Blog discussed in World Without Deadlines, these hard dates often do not reflect the reality of work. One day late can mean lost opportunities, but months early provides no benefit except resting easier. We should not be so obsessed with the moment at which the work is finished, but rather the process which leads us to finish the work.

At the first event in the 2010 Productivity Series, we covered new year’s resolutions. No matter how you characterize your goals, we find the most satisfaction and productivity when we embrace the journey more than the destination. We don’t learn from outcomes as much as we do from processes.

As you wish January farewell, do not focus on what you failed to do. Instead, review how you pursued your objectives. Re-engineer your methodology. Work smarter and stress less over deadlines in the months ahead.

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