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Need to Trust the Process? Here's how the Philadelphia 76ers did it .

Author

Joping Chai
June 05, 2024

Hi there!

Have you ever received the advice "Trust the Process" and wonder what it really means?

Last week, we discussed the uncertainty of tackling the unknown and how we cannot predict the future.

At the core of this is the belief—without needing immediate evidence—that things will work out if we stay committed to the journey.

It has become a mantra for so many. Today, I want to delve into its origins and how a sports team in the US did it.

The origin of Trust the Process

Interestingly, "Trust the Process" originated in the world of sports. It was first coined by Sam Hinkie, the former general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers.

On the day he was hired and introduced publicly, Hinkie shared his philosophy:

"We talk a lot about process—not outcome—and trying to consistently take all the best information you can and consistently make good decisions. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't, but you reevaluate them all."

Hinkie (May 14, 2013)

This mantra became synonymous with the rebuilding of the team and symbolizing the belief that they would eventually win championships.

Over time, "Trust the Process" has transcended sports, becoming a universal rallying call during challenging times. You can read all about it here.

What’s beneath the mantra

So, what process did the Sixers have in place? This author boiled down to three fundamental principles that allowed the team to stay committed:

  1. Invest Time Wisely: They focused on areas where they anticipated the greatest return. They drafted an unknown player with high potential. He later became renowned for his three-point shooting and defense.

  2. Play the Long Game: They prioritized long-term benefits over short-term gains. This approach led to a three-year stretch of losing games to increase their chances of getting top draft picks. This ultimately allowing them to build a stronger team aligned with their long-term vision.

  3. Cultivate a Shared Culture: They created a culture centered around shared values. A notable example was their monthly breakfast meetings where players presented on subjects of personal interest, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Conclusion

As you navigate your own path, remember what you want to be guided by.

Identify one area of your life where you need to trust the process. What guiding principles are you applying to it now, if any?

Share your thoughts with me!

Stay Courageous,

Joping

Joping is a Certified Self-Leadership Coach and a solopreneur in the making. She writes about everything in between intention and action, and believe courage makes the biggest difference.