Systems vs. Goals

Published 15 February 2024. Updated 3 August 2024 by

Martin Hamilton

How to Implement a Long Term Productivity Strategy

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been told that setting specific, measurable goals is the key to achieving success. Whether it’s losing weight, building a successful business, or spending more time with loved ones, the prevailing wisdom is that you need to set clear goals and work hard to achieve them.

But according to James Clear, author of the New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits, this approach may be misguided. In fact, Clear argues that focusing too much on your goals can actually hinder your progress and make it harder to achieve the results you want.

Instead, Clear suggests that you should focus on your systems—the daily habits and routines that shape your life. By designing effective systems and consistently following through on them, you can make steady progress towards your goals without getting bogged down by the pressure to achieve specific outcomes.

Problem #1: Winners and losers have the same goals.

You may have heard the phrase “aim for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” However, this mentality can lead to survivorship bias in goal setting. We often focus on the successful individuals who achieved their ambitious goals and overlook the many others who had the same objectives but fell short.

For example, every Olympian aims to win a gold medal, and every job candidate wants to secure the position. If both successful and unsuccessful individuals share the same goals, then the goal itself cannot be the differentiating factor. The British Cyclists did not win the Tour de France solely because they had a goal to win; every other professional team had the same objective. It was their implementation of a system of continuous small improvements that set them apart.

To overcome this problem, it is crucial to focus on the process and not just the end goal. By implementing a system of continuous improvement, you can increase your chances of success, even if you do not achieve your ultimate goal. This approach can help you avoid survivorship bias and achieve sustainable success.

Key Takeaways
– Winners and losers often have the same goals.
– Focusing solely on the end goal can lead to survivorship bias.
– Implementing a system of deliberate practice is continuous improvement increases your chances of success.
– In order to make forward progress, you have to understand how to convert your overarching goals into lists of smaller “action items”. This is your system of deliberate practice. I’ve found that goals are good for planning your progress and systems of deliberate practice outreach autopilot habits and are good for actually making progress.

Problem #2: Achieving a goal is only a momentary change.

When you set a goal and achieve it with your system, you may feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. However, this feeling is often short-lived, as you may soon find yourself back in the same situation as before. This is because achieving a goal only changes your life for the moment.

The problem with focusing solely on achieving a goal is that it ignores the underlying systems and habits that led to the problem in the first place. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, simply following a fad diet or exercising for a short period of time may lead to temporary weight loss. However, if you do not address the underlying habits and behaviors that led to your weight gain, you may soon find yourself back at your starting weight. Part of your system is to address these underlying concerns and expose them.

To make lasting improvements, it is important to focus on changing the old systems and habits that contribute to the problem. This means identifying the root causes of the problem and implementing changes that address those causes. For example, instead of simply trying to lose weight, you may need to address underlying issues such as emotional eating or a sedentary lifestyle.

By focusing on systems-level changes, you can make lasting improvements that will have a positive impact on your life over the long term. This approach may take more time and effort than simply achieving a goal, but the results will be more sustainable and will lead to lasting change.

Problem #3: Goals restrict your happiness.

The conventional wisdom is that setting goals is the key to success and happiness. However, the problem with a goals-first mentality is that it can lead to a constant state of dissatisfaction and disappointment. You may feel that you cannot be happy until you achieve your goals, and this can lead to a never-ending cycle of striving for more.

Another issue with setting goals is that it creates an “either-or” mentality. You either achieve your goal and are successful, or you fail and are a disappointment. This narrow view of happiness can be limiting and misguided. Life rarely follows the exact path we envision, and it is essential to be open to different paths to success.

A systems-first mentality can provide an alternative approach. When you focus on the process (systems) rather than the outcome, you can find satisfaction and happiness in the present moment. A system can take many different forms, and success does not have to be defined by achieving a specific goal.

📚 Systemantics is a great book for anyone regardless of whether or not you are involved in technology related complex systems. Life itself is a complex system and there are many non-intuitive insights that the author provides that have helped me be a more effective person at both the professional and personal level.

Here are some ways to shift from a goals-first mentality to a systems-first mentality:

Focus on the process: Instead of obsessing over the outcome, focus on the actions you can take to move towards your goal. Celebrate small wins along the way, and enjoy the journey.
Be flexible: Be open to different paths to success. If one approach isn’t working, try a different strategy.
Embrace failure: Failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’ve found that goals are good for planning your progress and systems are good for actually making progress.

By adopting a systems-first mentality, you can find happiness and success in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for more.

Problem #4: Goals are at odds with long-term progress.

When you set a goal, it can create a “yo-yo” effect where you work hard for months to achieve it, but once you cross the finish line, you stop training. The race is no longer there to motivate you, and you may find yourself reverting to old habits. This can be a problem because achieving a goal is not the end of the journey, and it’s important to continue making progress in the long term.

Instead of solely focusing on a specific goal, it’s important to build systems that allow for continuous improvement and refinement. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking because it’s not about any single accomplishment, but rather the cycle of endless progress. By committing to the process, you can ensure that you continue to make progress in the long term.

To avoid the pitfalls of goal-oriented thinking, consider implementing the following strategies:

There is a difference between autopilot habits and deliberate practice.
Focus on deliberate practice that supports your goals, rather than solely relying on motivation.
Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be achieved consistently over time.
Celebrate your progress along the way, rather than solely focusing on the end goal.
Continuously evaluate and adjust your approach to ensure that you are making progress in the long term.

By shifting your focus from solely achieving a goal to continuously improving and refining your approach, you can ensure that you make progress in the long term.

Fall In Love With Systems

When it comes to achieving your goals, it’s important to have a system in place. While goals can provide direction and motivation in the short-term, a well-designed system is what will ultimately lead to success. Committing to the process of your system is what makes the difference in the long run.

In order to make forward progress, you have to understand how to convert your overarching goals into lists of smaller “action items” which makes up a system of deliberate practice.
Martin Hamilton

A system is a set of habits or routines that you consistently follow to achieve your desired outcome. By focusing on your system, you can make progress every day and build momentum towards your goals. This approach can help you develop deliberate practice which outperform autopilot habits and will lead to long-term success.

In contrast, relying solely on goals can lead to a focus on outcomes rather than the process that gets you there. This can result in a lack of motivation and a sense of failure if the outcome isn’t achieved. By prioritizing your system, and implementing deliberate practice, you can enjoy the journey towards your goals and build confidence in your ability to make progress.

Remember, goals are important for planning, but systems of deliberate practice are essential for making progress. I’ve found that goals are good for planning your progress and systems of deliberate practice are good for actually making progress. Fall in love with your system of deliberate practice, outperform autopilot habits, and commit to the process of achieving long-term success.

Turn Your Goals and Systems into Instincts

Instincts are usually thought of as only a product of evolution and hereditary drives. There is another aspect of instinct which can be created by using systems frequently, and that is the building of neural mechanisms. All of these aspects ensure survival and efficient adaptation across species. The culture precedes positive results and doesn’t get tacked on as an afterthought on your way to success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to establish an effective goal-setting system?

To establish an effective goal-setting system, you must first identify your goals and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Then, you can create a timeline and prioritize the tasks to ensure that you are making progress towards your goals. It is also essential to regularly review your progress and adjust your system as needed.

What are the differences between goals-focused and systems-focused approaches?

A goals-focused approach emphasizes achieving specific outcomes, while a systems-focused approach prioritizes creating and maintaining a process that leads to those outcomes. In other words, a goals-focused approach is more concerned with the destination, while a systems-focused approach is more concerned with the journey.

Can you provide examples of systems that support achieving personal goals?

Some examples of systems that support achieving personal goals include creating a daily routine, tracking progress through a journal or app, and setting up accountability with a friend or mentor. These systems help create structure and consistency in achieving personal goals.

How does one transition from a goal-oriented mindset to a systems-oriented mindset?

To transition from a goal-oriented mindset to a systems-oriented mindset, you must shift your focus from solely achieving outcomes to creating and maintaining a process that leads to those outcomes. This involves breaking down goals into smaller, manageable tasks, regularly reviewing progress, and adjusting the system as needed. Read the book Systemantics.

What are the benefits of focusing on systems over goals according to productivity experts?

Productivity experts argue that focusing on systems over goals leads to more consistent progress, increased motivation, and better long-term results. Systems provide structure and consistency, making it easier to maintain progress towards goals and avoid burnout.

How can systems help in maintaining consistency in the pursuit of long-term goals?

Systems help maintain consistency in the pursuit of long-term goals by creating structure and routine. By breaking down goals into smaller, manageable tasks and creating a process for achieving them, individuals can maintain progress towards their goals over an extended period. This consistency leads to better long-term results and increased motivation.