What is the big deal about PROCESS!!!!

- March 03, 2020

Dear M, M &M

This has been the hardest blog post to write this week... The creative juice is gone, but for my own sake and for the commitment, I have to find inspiration and share some thoughts... and just as I was putting you to bed today, the word 'PROCESS' crossed my mind... and i thought why is 'PROCESS' so important, what is the big deal about 'PROCESS'? Why does Papa keep saying, 'Submit to the process?'

One of my most inspiring quotes growing up has been 'you never get a chick by breaking an egg' ... (selah!) You know why? Because when you force it out of the egg, the chick will die, because it did not have a chance to go through its natural 'PROCESS' to get into the world.

It, therefore, got me thinking, as you guys go through life, you will have to go through different unique cycles of life. For instance, when it comes to education, you have to start from the most basic place, learn how to say kind words, how to use the bathroom, how to address elders and peers, how to write, how to manage bullies, how to navigate life... you mention it... There is a 'PROCESS' before you get that Ph.D. (please note this is not a suggestion 😎😎) Another example, if you need to bake, there is a 'PROCESS', once you eat, your body undergoes a certain process to ensure you have whatever nutrients you need and discards the rest.

That said it is therefore important to give 'PROCESS' the esteem it deserves because once a step is missed, it compromises the entire goal. It compromises the entire destination. It compromises nature.

So what is 'PROCESS', I define 'PROCESS' as 'the how of life' Through 'PROCESS' you compete only with yourself, aiming to be a better person than you were yesterday. It involves setting goals and adjusting them accordingly to reach the desired destination. 'PROCESS' is continuous and is not only thought about as a new year's resolution, but you have to keep at it.

so what does 'PROCESS' entail

* Your core values: what are your non-negotiables? As you go through a certain 'PROCESS', does it compromise who you are as a person, and your deep-rooted beliefs, if so, then it is time to re-evaluate and sometimes even get out of the space.

** Self-discipline: 'PROCESS' requires a lot of self-discipline especially towards a certain goal. If you have chosen to eat healthily, exercise, make impactful friendships and relationships... there is a great aspect of self-discipline involved. because at the end of the day, you are your greatest cheerleader or critique. the challenge with self-discipline is that you are the only one that knows what is happening in the background, and unless you open up to a trusted community for accountability you might never succeed. These people will give insight into the 'PROCESS'

*** Track the process: Write journals, make voice notes, take time to reflect on how far you have come and how far you are going. Is there a pattern? Do certain behaviors or feelings result in a certain outcome? What do you need to do in this regard? Tracking the 'PROCESS' is probably what the NGO world calls monitoring and evaluation.

**** Take time to smell the roses: Sometimes during process, life happens, people die, failure is imminent, success might come in much greater than you expected and might throw you off...You name it! Take time to appreciate each step of the journey, take time to appreciate those that have helped you come so far, take time to applaud yourself... You have done well. Don't be so lost in the choleric cycle of making the 'PROCESS' better that you forget having fun so much so that some actions turn out to be a duty. Celebrate milestones

***** Finally and of most importance, think about your legacy. What do you want to be remembered for? how did you make people feel? When you are facing your sunset year, will the world be glad you lived or glad that you left? 'PROCESS' allows us to define legacy and the footprint you want to leave for your generation

celebrating milestones:

On Feb 21st the #CrownPrince turned 8, and that is why this piece is important to me. Seeing you achieve milestones, be an awesome big brother, a scientist in the making, so thirsty for knowledge and so kind to people... made me realize it has very little to do with me, but everything to do with God and the community he has placed in our lives.