System setting is better than goal setting
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We used to buy cookies and other sweets as part of our groceries. Then one day we stopped doing that. At the exact same time we started eating less cookies and sweets. This was a remarkable coincidence.
I used to feel overwhelmed every time I looked at my email inbox. Then one day I setup a rule that sent all emails where I was only CC’d straight to a separate folder.
At the same time, I started feeling more in control and able to focus on things that really mattered. This was a remarkable coincidence.
Of course, these were not actually coincidences. They are examples of how changing a system can have a profound impact on results.
I’m emphasizing the idea of a system, especially in contrast with the idea of goal setting. Goal setting is a noble endeavor, but SYSTEM SETTING produces superior results.
Let’s say you put in effort to achieve a goal. Now what? In what way has the direction of your life, team or company changed?
Goals provide MOMENTARY SUCCESS.
Now, we definitely want better results. But... results aren’t the problem. The systems that produce the results are the problem.
Solving problems at the systems level produces ONGOING SUCCESS.
James Clear puts it well in Atomic Habits: “Fix the inputs and the outputs will fix themselves.“
At the same time, I started feeling more in control and able to focus on things that really mattered. This was a remarkable coincidence.
Of course, these were not actually coincidences. They are examples of how changing a system can have a profound impact on results.
I’m emphasizing the idea of a system, especially in contrast with the idea of goal setting. Goal setting is a noble endeavor, but SYSTEM SETTING produces superior results.
Let’s say you put in effort to achieve a goal. Now what? In what way has the direction of your life, team or company changed?
Goals provide MOMENTARY SUCCESS.
Now, we definitely want better results. But... results aren’t the problem. The systems that produce the results are the problem.
Solving problems at the systems level produces ONGOING SUCCESS.
James Clear puts it well in Atomic Habits: “Fix the inputs and the outputs will fix themselves.“