I work in STEAM Education for people of all ages. Something that we talk about when it comes to how people think and go about STEAM activities is process vs product. Today I have been thinking about how these different styles of thinking don’t just apply to activities like art or engineering. They also apply to how we go about life.
What is Process vs Product Thinking?
When considering these two types of thinking, there is a pretty simple difference between them. Product based thinking is focused on walking away with a specific outcome. This type of thinking means that the person cares the most about the final product. Whereas process based thinking is focused on the journey and experience on the way to the desired goal. This type of thinking means that the person cares the most about how they do something. The learning that comes with that journey.
For example, let’s look at these two types of thinking with an art project.
- Product based thinking- A person focused on creating a specific sculpture with step by step directions.
- Process based thinking- A person would focus on creation in an open-ended way. Exploring the sculpting materials. Enjoying the act of experimenting with the materials along the way to making a unique sculpture.
How This Applies To Life
I got to thinking today that we can try to apply the principle of process based thinking to life in general. Sometimes we get so caught up in our future goals, comparing ourselves to the societal standards, and worrying about all the things we need to do that we forget to live. We forget to enjoy the moments that are happening. Life is passing us by because we are too busy running through an endless To Do List.
By no means am I saying that goals are unimportant or that we don’t have things that just have to happen. But I am saying that we need to find balance between what we have to do and what we get to experience along the way.
Examples of What I Think This Looks Like
- Your dog tries to “help” when you are dusting and lays down next to you. So instead of getting frustrated and continuing on cleaning you pause and rub your dog’s belly.
- You enjoy the process of dating and finding what you enjoy and like in an individual. Sometimes we get solely focused on a person having to meet a full lengthy checklist of specific standards. Instead you actually experience what spending time with them is like.
- Some of us have many medical appointments and multiple lengthy treatments that we have to do regularly. Finding something that you enjoy doing while treatments are happening or when you are waiting for an appointment can be helpful. Perhaps use this time to read new books, write, craft, watch shows, or learn about topics that you are interested in. Try to view this time as an opportunity instead of an obligation that you don’t want to do.
- If you have to walk your dog or you have specific classes/practices for your child it would like not just viewing this as a task you have to do. Another item on your to do list. Try to be more present in the moment. Experience the walk, the environment you are in, the people around you. There is a lot of beauty in the world if you pause to enjoy it.
In Conclusion
There is a time and place for both process and product based thinking. It is okay to be goal oriented. It is natural to compare yourself to others around you and to what society expects of you. I am just asking you to take some time to pause. Reflect on what you really want. I would think that most of us want to be able to enjoy life. Sometimes we think we have to accomplish so many things before we can enjoy life. Let’s find some time to do that along the way. Let’s explore, discover, and find the little joys and acts of kindness we can do that create true impact for ourselves and others.
