The Story of the “Captain’s Car”
In military culture, there’s a tradition known as the “captain’s car,” where officers typically upgrade their vehicles upon promotion to captain, thanks to the significant pay raise that comes with the rank. Instead of going for a flashy new car, my “captain’s car” was an old Volkswagen Cabriolet—affectionately nicknamed “the golf cart.” This car, with its quirks and limitations, was a stark departure from the norm but it represented something much greater for me. It embodied the principle of ‘process vs. outcome,’ highlighting that sometimes the choices that seem unconventional at the time are exactly what we need to achieve our broader goals.
Why Choose a Less Glamorous Car?
At the time, my wife Emily and I were deep in debt, over $100,000, as we prepared for my transition from military life to entrepreneurship. Every decision, including the purchase of a cheaper, less reliable car, was made to align our financial actions with our long-term goals: becoming debt-free and establishing a successful business. This old car wasn’t just a means of transportation; it was a tool in our strategy to achieve financial independence.
The Realities of the Process
The journey towards any significant achievement is often rugged and filled with sacrifices that aren’t glamorous but are necessary. Driving a car that often became the butt of jokes among my peers was a daily reminder of the choices we were making to secure a better future. This wasn’t about the car—I wasn’t attached to the vehicle itself—but about what it represented: the willingness to embrace a less comfortable path for a greater cause.
Process vs. Outcome: Key Takeaways
- Outcome is Tempting but Fleeting: It’s easy to fantasize about end goals like fancy cars, big houses, or business success. However, these are outcomes that don’t tell the full story of the hardships and sacrifices required to get there.
- Process is Constant and Crucial: The process is where the real work happens. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and it’s where growth occurs. Embracing the process means understanding that the steps you take—even the unpleasant ones—are building you toward your ultimate goals.
- Mindset Shift: Recognizing that true success is found in the daily grind, in the decisions that no one sees, and in the mundane sacrifices, can change how you approach every challenge.
Why This Matters
The concept of process versus outcome is crucial not just in business or personal finance but in every aspect of life. By focusing on the process, you ensure that you’re not just dreaming about where you want to be, but actively engaging in the behaviors that will get you there.
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Time-Stamped Show Notes
- [00:00:30] Introduction to the concept of process vs. outcome and the story of the Volkswagen Cabriolet.
- [00:01:30] Explanation of the military tradition of the “captain’s car” and my unconventional choice.
- [00:02:30] Discussing the financial and personal motivations behind choosing a less glamorous vehicle.
- [00:03:30] Insights into the daily realities and sacrifices of embracing the process.
- [00:04:30] Conclusion on the importance of process over outcome in achieving long-term goals.