Systems vs Goals

Systems vs Goals – How To Beat Procrastination

I used to think motivation and goal-setting was the best way to achieve one’s dreams/ ambitions.

But the more I read about it and the more I experience; I’ve come to know that motivation and goal-setting are just the building blocks in achieving your dreams.

In short, what I’ve come to realise is that motivation and goal setting is the more ‘fun’ side of achieving goals whilst discipline and having systems requires more effort but is truly what gets you from point A to point B.

If you haven’t already read Which Is Better? Discipline vs Motivation where I look at motivation vs discipline, and how you can use both to your advantage to achieve your goals you can read it here.

What is the difference between a system and a goal?

When it comes to systems vs goals, goals are like the sunset at the end of the road. The light at the end of the tunnel. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The system will be everything you need in your journey on the road or tunnel or pathway to get to that final destination.

So, for example, if your goal is to run a marathon, your system would be your weekly training program that will make you fit enough to reach that goal.

If your goal is to make a beautiful painting, your system would involve the work you do every week to make that painting.

Goals are a static idea that you want to reach. Systems require consistency and discipline.

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Why are systems more important than goals?

Let’s say your goal is to build a successful business but you have no system/ plan, you may tend to focus on the more ‘fun’ aspects of running a business.

For me, fun would be looking at the branding and marketing. Basically, all the colourful stuff and none of the financial stuff.

I might spend too much time on the branding or marketing and become a perfectionist. Or I could procrastinate and hold off on dealing with the financial side of the business because it isn’t something I particularly like.

However, if I were to have a plan that covered all aspects of the business, I would have to follow that plan.

In that way, I am more likely to achieve my goal of starting a successful business because I have a plan.

It can even be argued that the person who had a system of working on their business skills without even having a goal to start a business would do better than a person who only had the goal and did none of the work.

This is why when it comes to systems vs goals, systems will always win.

Goals are for the dreamers. Systems/ discipline are for the realists who get things done – you can be both if you utilise them properly.

At this point, I’m sure it’s pretty clear that in the systems vs goals debate I am pro-systems over having goals ONLY.

However more than that I am pro goals + systems over just only having systems. Yes, having systems will help you get things done but having goals is what pushes you to dream more, strive for more and therefore be more.

Here are some ways having systems will drastically boost your chances of achieving your goals.

Systems helps you gain skills

A goal is a target. It is an idea or image you have formed of what you want or who you want to be.

Systems on the other hand are something you actively work on. While you are working on it, you will be learning new skills, problem-solving and making mini achievements along the way.

Therefore, systems allow personal growth, increased knowledge and resourcefulness.

Systems allow you to achieve something all the time!

My main problem with working on a goal without systems is that goals are too broad.

You could want a successful business, write a book, or become an architect.

But anyone can dream of those things.

In order to actually achieve them you have to do the work, and that’s what sets you apart from those who just dream about things but don’t actually do anything.

In this way, only having a goal without a system in place can become overwhelming and demoralising.

Everyday that passes is another day of you not achieving that goal and that can be quite frustrating.

But if you have a detailed plan in place that you follow everyday, you will be achieving something all the time.

You will be able to see yourself grow as you pick up new skills and achieve some aspect of your goal over time (for example, feeling accomplished after writing another chapter of your book).

This is a much healthier way of approaching your goal as you constantly feel a sense of accomplishment which boosts your motivation to do more the next day.

Having systems will help you become the person you always wanted to be

Every day that you work on your system is another step closer to the person you want to be. You are slowly becoming the person you envision in your mind when you think of your goal.

When you think of running a business, you probably envision yourself as being driven, efficient and organised.

Without realising it, you will slowly be becoming this driven business person as you follow your system/ plan.

For example, when an unexpected problem arises as you set up your business, you have to be driven and push through it.

You need to have a detailed plan for your business to thrive which means you are organised.

And you may have to compare the prices of different materials so you get the best prices, meaning you are efficient.

As a result, you are actively gaining the qualities of a successful business owner by following your system.

How to use systems instead of goals?

Plan your system properly

While I have used the words ‘plan’ and ‘systems’ interchangeably, I should point out that they are different things.

Your plan is the step-by-step thorough breakdown of how you will achieve the goal. For writing a book, this would include planning scenes, research, editing, proof-reading etc.

Your system is how you will implement that plan into your life.

For example, if you work a 9-5, your system might be to work on your book every Wednesday and Thursday between 7pm to 8:30pm in your local library.

It is important to be specific with the timings and locations of your system as it increases the likelihood that you will stick with it.

Once you have figured out the location and timing, make sure you are consistent with it.

Don’t change the timings around every week – stick to the time you originally planned.

Allow trial and error at the beginning

If at the beginning, you find it hard to maintain your systems, it might simply be because it needs a little tweaking.

Maybe the time you chose is not a good time for your productivity. Setting a complex task in the evening when your brain works better in the morning is probably not the best idea.

When creating a new system for the first time, figure out things like the time you’re most productive, how much time you have to spare and how flexible you can be.

Once you’ve found a time that works for you, stick to it and be disciplined and consistent with your routine.

If you generally find it difficult to break from bad habits and create good ones, this post about the ‘habit loop’ can help you with that!

Take your goals seriously

Write down your goals in your notes section, journal or notebook and think about it properly.

Once you’ve reached this goal, what kind of person do you want to be? What qualities will you have?

What do you want to do with your goal?

How can you help others? How can you further yourself?

What doors does achieving this goal open?

What will your daily life look like?

Some people emulate the person they want to be and the life they want to live even though it’s still a goal for them.

This can be a very useful way to make your goals seem achievable (not unreachable).

Track your progress

Celebrate your mini-goal wins as you work on this overarching goal of yours.

This will keep the momentum up as well as help you feel more accomplished and determined to work on the goal.

Keep a notebook or tracker where you can regularly jot down progress.

Enjoy the journey!

As mentioned before, systems are ongoing, goals are static.

Having a system means you don’t only feel fulfilment once you have achieved the overarching goal but enjoy every day wins, growth and progress.

What’s also great is that your systems will allow you to think about what will happen after that goal is achieved.

It becomes a way of life that encourages progress and betterment every single day.

KEY TAKEAWAYS – Systems vs Goals

Goals are a static idea that you want to reach. Systems require consistency and discipline.
Systems allow personal growth, increased knowledge and resourcefulness.
Systems allow you to achieve something all the time
Every day that you work on your system is another step closer to the person you want to be. You are slowly becoming the person you envision in your mind when you think of your goal.
Your plan is the step-by-step thorough breakdown of how you will achieve the goal. Your system is how you will implement that plan into your life.
If at the beginning, you find it hard to maintain your systems, it might simply be because it needs a little tweaking.
Some people emulate the person they want to be and the life they want to live even though it’s still a goal for them. This can be a very useful way to make your goals seem achievable (not unreachable).
Celebrate your mini-goal wins as you work on this overarching goal of yours.
Having a system means you don’t only feel fulfilment once you have achieved the overarching goal but enjoy every day wins, growth and progress.

Systems vs Goals – How To Beat Procrastination

Systems vs Goals – How To Beat Procrastination

What is the difference between a system and a goal?

Why are systems more important than goals?