The Process Paradox

ByShannon Keegan

How to Balance Big Goals and Daily Life

I’ve always had trouble sticking to daily habits and streaks rub me the wrong way, so how do I manage to train for big swims, raise two growing boys, be a present partner, get a podcast out into the world, email broadcasts weekly, and coach and teach swimmers locally and virtually? It’s a work in process; it will always be a work in process. But I think I’m starting to embrace that process.

When I started my podcast, Marathon Swim Stories, in 2020 one of the questions, I asked every guest was, “are you a process or an outcome person”. I suspected that I was outcome driven because I signed up for big challenges every year but struggled to stick to daily habits, maintain a swim routine, and incorporate other practices to support an aging body. I craved the rush of fulfillment that comes after hours of swimming, when the ground finally meets you, and you fight to steady yourself onshore.

But it turns out I just needed to find what works for me. As I prepare for a 50-mile swim across (and back) Lake Memphremagog this August, I’m discovering how to embrace the process—and I’d love for you to join me on my journey!

Big goals require time—not just training hours, but the way we structure our days, our energy, and our focus. Whether it’s preparing for an open water swim, developing a new skill, or simply sustaining a practice we love without burnout, how we manage time can make or break the experience.

What if we approach it with more flow, more adaptability? How do we commit to something big without letting it take over our lives? How do we manage our energy as much as our time? And how do we ensure that what we build lasts beyond a single event or achievement?

For swimmers (and really, for anyone pursuing something meaningful), time management isn’t just about fitting workouts into a calendar. It’s about:

  • Foundation: The habits and rhythms that make consistency possible.
  • Preparation: The focused effort leading up to a big moment.
  • Sustainability: Ensuring the process is enriching, not exhausting.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you approach time management for your goals? Whether you’ve found your rhythm or are still figuring it out (like me), let’s learn from each other!

Join me at The Water’s Edge, where we explore topics like, time, trust, and transformation in and out of the water. Our theme for April is Time Management, and our 3 Day Align, Adapt, Achieve Challenge starts next week! To participate, join the community and let’s discover how to honor both your ambitions and your well-being—making the journey as meaningful as the destination.

P.S. Know someone who might want to join the 3 Day Align, Adapt, Achieve Challenge? Please forward this email to them!

P.S.S. Have you listened to the latest episode of Marathon Swim Stories with Gina Harden? Check it out!​

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