We need both goals and systems

Goals and systems are a bit like the two wings of a bird. A bird with one wing can flap all it wants, but it will look silly and never take off. A bird with two wings though, can go anywhere it wants.

I really like how James Clear manages to untangle the tension that exists between goals and habits with one insightful and beautifully crafted sentence:

"Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress." - James Clear

This importance of this idea cannot be overstated. Some people are drawn more naturally to goal setting. Others like to set up systems. The truth is we need both.

Without goals it’s hard to know which systems, practices or habits to put in place. And without these we will struggle to achieve even the most noble or strategically aligned goals.