“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

When you hear the phrase “trust the process” what comes to mind? 

Do you feel comforted by it – or maybe a little skeptical?  For some, it sounds like a gentle invitation. For others, it might feel vague or even frustrating, especially if you’re craving clarity, results, or a clear timeline.

But what does it really mean to trust the process? And how can it help you?

What It Really Means

At its core, trusting the process is about releasing the need to control how and when things happen - while still taking aligned, intentional steps forward.  It’s a mindset of patience, presence, and faith, especially during seasons of growth, healing, or uncertainty.

Here are some keys to understanding what this means:

1.  Let Go of the Need to Know Everything

As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Even when you don’t have all the answers up front, you can still move forward with intention and courage.

2.  Be Patient with Life’s Timing

Rather than rushing or forcing outcomes, give yourself time to heal, transform, or create.  Growth happens in cycles – and every season has its purpose.

3.  Stay Committed Without Clinging

Show up consistently. Do your part.  But loosen your grip on the exact outcome.  Surrender to the idea that something meaningful is unfolding, even if it looks different than you imagined.

4.  Recognize that Growth Happens Beneath the Surface

Just like seeds take time to sprout, your efforts might be working in ways you can’t see yet.  Trust that inner change often comes before external results.

5.  Release Control While Remaining Engaged

Trusting the process isn’t about being passive or giving up – it’s about balancing action with surrender. You engage fully, but with openness instead of pressure.

Why It Matters

Whether you’re starting a new habit, recovering from a setback, shifting careers, navigating a life transition, or learning a new skill, trusting the process is a powerful skill to develop.

It helps you:

• Reduce anxiety and release pressure
• Cultivate patience and emotional resilience
• Stay grounded in the present moment
• Strengthen your intuition and sense of self
• Stay open to unexpected growth and outcomes that may be even better than what you planned

Ready to Begin? Try These 6 Simple Practices

1.  Focus on the Next Step Only

Ask yourself, “What’s one small step I can take today?” Then take it. That’s enough.

2.  Create a Daily Grounding Ritual

Start your morning with an activity like mindful breathing, journaling, or saying a calming affirmation to anchor you in the present.

3.  Practice Letting Go of the Outcome

Choose one project or goal and try releasing the need to control the timeline. Loosen your grip on the result and notice how that feels in your body.

4.  Track Progress, Not Perfection

Record your activity toward a goal to remind yourself that you are making progress, even if the results aren’t visible yet.

5.  Reframe Setbacks as Signs of Growth

When something doesn’t go as planned, ask “What could this be teaching me?”  Pausing to practice curiosity can open your mind to the lessons and inspire new possibilities.

6.  Use EFT Tapping When Doubt Creeps In

Tapping is a powerful way to calm your nervous system and reconnect with trust.  Try my “Trust the Process” tap along video.

Final Thought

You don’t have to have it all figured out today.

Just take one step.  Breathe.  Plant your seeds.  Trust that something beautiful is growing – even if you can’t see it yet.