Welcome back to the Aiming Up Systems Planner series, where we’re building daily rhythms to drive lasting progress, inspired by Scott Adams’ philosophy in How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big. Last week, in Step 1: Winning Whys, you used the 5 Whys to dig into what drives your top goals—maybe running a 5K, losing 10 pounds, or getting a promotion. You uncovered powerful motivations, like “stronger family connection” or “personal growth,” and spotted themes to guide your journey.
We've discussed that goals can leave is in a state where we haven't "won" until we've reached some arbitrary, though perhaps important, status. Having a system, though, gives you a chance to step onto the podium every day!
In Step 2: Create a System, we’ll transform your “why” into a sustainable daily rhythm—a system—that lets you win all the time, not just when you hit a distant goal. Unlike goals, which can trap you in an “always failing” mindset until you succeed, systems give you a trip to the podium with every action you take. Today, we’ll define a personal vision, choose a simple daily action, and set up habit-building tips to make your system stick. If you identified multiple goals, consider creating a system for each to score multiple wins each day.
Why Systems Mean Trips to the Podium
Goals, like “run a 5K,” can feel like a finish line you’re always chasing, leaving you feeling “not yet successful.” Scott Adams argues that systems are the key to long-term success because they focus on consistent, repeatable actions that align with your values. A system like “jog 10 minutes daily” puts you on the podium every morning you lace up your shoes. With systems, you win every day you take action, building momentum and confidence.
Systems are:
- Consistent: Small actions done regularly.
- Aligned: Tied to your “why” from Step 1.
- Flexible: Adjustable to fit your life.
- Progress-Oriented: Every action is a win.
- Compounding: Daily wins stack up to big results.
By creating systems for your goals, you’ll celebrate daily podium moments, not just a single finish line.
Step 2: Create Your System
This step is about crafting a daily rhythm that’s simple, sustainable, and meaningful, giving you a win every time you do it. You’ll:
- Define Your Personal Vision: Capture the “why” or theme from your 5 Whys (e.g., “confidence through health”). Pick any “why” that resonates—it doesn’t have to be the fifth one.
- Create Your System: Choose a small, repeatable daily action that moves you toward your vision (e.g., “jog 10 minutes every morning”). Each day you do it is a "trip to the podium."
- Set Up Habit-Building Tips: Make your system stick with a cue (trigger), reward, minimum action (for tough days), and restart plan (for missed days).
If you have three goals, like running a 5K, losing 10 pounds, and getting a promotion, you might create three systems for daily wins:
- Jogging: 10 minutes daily to build health and confidence.
- Meal Prep: Prepare one healthy meal daily for energy.
- Skill Practice: 15 minutes of skill work daily for career growth.
Each system should feel doable and tied to your “why.” Don’t aim for perfection—Step 3 will help you tweak for even more wins.
Your Step 2 Worksheet
Our Step 2 Worksheet is a easy guide to create your system(s) and start racking up daily podium moments. It includes:
- Personal Vision Prompt: Write a short statement capturing your “why” (e.g., “Build confidence through health to connect with family”).
- System Prompt: Define your daily action (e.g., “Jog 10 minutes every morning”).
- Habit-Building Tips: List your cue, reward, minimum action, and restart plan (e.g., “Cue: Morning alarm at 7 AM; Minimum Action: Put on running shoes”).
Download the PDF for Step 2
Instructions: Write your answers in the worksheet or a notebook. If creating multiple systems, repeat the process for each goal. Start your system(s) this week and track daily wins (e.g., check off each day you complete your action).
Download or View the Worksheet: Step 2 Worksheet. Print it to write directly on the page, or use a notebook for more space, especially if you’re building multiple systems for multiple wins.
How to Make Your System Stick
Habits are the foundation of systems, and research shows that small, intentional cues and rewards make habits stick. Here are some habit-building tips to ensure daily trips to the podium:
- Cue: A trigger to start your action (e.g., “7 AM alarm” for jogging, “lunch break” for meal prep, “after work” for skill practice).
- Reward: A small treat to celebrate your win (e.g., “coffee after jogging,” “favorite snack after meal prep,” “TV episode after skill practice”).
- Minimum Action: A tiny step for tough days that still counts as a win (e.g., “put on running shoes” for jogging, “chop one vegetable” for meal prep, “read skill notes” for skill practice).
- Restart: A plan to get back on track after missing the march to the podium (e.g., “5-minute walk” for jogging, “prep a snack” for meal prep, “review notes” for skill practice).
For example, if your system is jogging 10 minutes daily:
Cue: Morning alarm at 7 AM.
Reward: Cream, instead of milk, in your coffee after your jog. Or a donut after 7 wins.
Minimum Action: Put on running shoes and walk to the sidewalk. If it's still too difficult to do the run, you have put in an honest effort and that's a win.
Restart: Do a 5-minute walk the next day.
If you’re creating multiple systems, tailor these tips to each. For instance, your skill practice system might use “after work” as a cue and “a short TV episode” as a reward. Write them down to stay clear and keep those daily wins coming.
Tips for Success
Start Small: Choose actions you can do even on busy days (e.g., 10 minutes, not an hour) to ensure daily podium moments. Also, choose the level of action that won't "hurt" tomorrow, deterring you or preventing you from continuing. (e.g. if you suspect you can jog for 10 minutes without feeling sore, start at 5 or 7 minutes). You'll be doing this every day, there will be time to add or intensify once it's a habit!
Track Daily Wins: Mark each day you complete your system (e.g., a checkmark in your notebook). Every action is a win!
Be Flexible: If a system feels off, don’t worry—Step 3 is for tweaking to keep you winning.
Repeat the Process for Each Goal: If you have three goals, create and track three systems for triple the wins. Use a notebook or print multiple worksheets for organization.
Reflect Daily: At the end of each day, note how your system felt. This will help in Step 3’s refinement.
Get Started Now
Grab your Step 2 Worksheet, print it, or open your notebook. Write your personal vision, daily action, and habit-building tips for at least one system—or up to three if you’re ready for multiple podium trips each day. Start your system(s) this week and track your daily wins. For example, if you’re jogging, check off each day you jog or do your minimum action. If you’re prepping meals or practicing a skill, do the same in your notebook or an app.
Feeling inspired? Share one of your systems or a daily win on X with #AimingUp to connect with others (totally optional!). We’d love to hear how you’re stepping onto the podium every day.
What’s Next?
Next week, in Step 3: Refine Your System, we’ll use a feedback loop to assess what’s working, what’s not, and how to tweak your system(s) to keep those daily wins flowing. You’ll continue tracking your podium moments and make your rhythms even stronger.
Until then, start your system(s), celebrate each win, and keep Aiming Up!
