An Intro to Systems Planning
From Goals To Systems
Welcome to the Aiming Up Systems Planner series, inspired by Scott Adams’ How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big! Adams challenges us with his bold claim: “Goals are for losers; systems are for winners.” Goals—like running a 5K, losing 10 pounds, or getting a promotion—often lead to frustration or fleeting success. Systems, or daily rhythms, create lasting change by aligning with what matters most. Over six posts, we’ll work together to build a planner to transform your goals and wishes into sustainable systems that drive meaningful progress!
What is a System?
- Consistent Actions: Habits like jogging 10 minutes daily, writing 200 words each morning, or meditating 5 minutes nightly.
- Aligned with Your Why: Systems connect to deeper motivations, like jogging for family energy, keeping you committed.
- Flexible: If a habit doesn’t work (e.g., jogging hurts your knees), you swap it (e.g., cycling) without losing progress.
- Progress-Oriented: Systems prioritize steady improvement over perfection, like writing daily to grow as a writer.
- Compounding: Small actions add up, like daily jogging boosting health and confidence over months.
Note: Systems May Look Like Goals, But They’re Different. A system like “jogging daily” might seem like a goal, but it’s not:
- Not One-and-Done: A goal like “run a 5K” ends when achieved; jogging daily continues to build health indefinitely.
- Not Pass/Fail: Missing a goal (e.g., a 5K under 30 minutes) feels like failure. Missing a jog doesn’t derail you—you jog tomorrow.
- Replaceable: If jogging isn’t working, you can switch to swimming or walking to serve the same purpose (e.g., fitness).
- Resilient: Skipping a day isn’t a terminal failure. You pick it up again, perhaps with a shorter jog, unlike a goal where missing a deadline might mean starting over.
For example, a goal to “lose 10 pounds by summer” is a fixed target with a pass/fail outcome. A system like “eat a healthy breakfast daily” is an ongoing rhythm that adapts (e.g., new foods, resuming after a lapse) and supports health beyond a milestone.
Systems aren’t goals (e.g., “run a 5K by June”), to-do lists (e.g., “buy running shoes”), rigid rules, willpower-driven efforts, or quick fixes. They’re sustainable habits, not temporary tasks.
Why Goals Aren’t Optimal
- Not-Yet-Successful State: Goals keep you in a state of “not yet successful” until achieved, which can feel like failure for days, months, or years. For example, aiming to “lose 10 pounds” means you’re not “successful” until the scale hits that number, creating ongoing dissatisfaction. Systems, like eating a healthy breakfast daily, let you win every day you take action, building confidence immediately.
- Inflexible: A goal like “get a promotion” narrows your focus, missing other paths. Systems, like skill-building, open new doors.
- Willpower-Draining: Goals, like a marathon, demand intense effort that burns out. Systems, like short jogs, are sustainable.
- Discontinuous: After a goal like a 5K, you might stop. Systems maintain momentum.
- Short-Term: Goals like “learn a skill in 30 days” lead to shortcuts. Systems, like daily practice, build lasting habits.
- Misaligned: Goals like “lose weight to look good” may not reflect your desires and even if you achieve the goal it may not actually obtain the outcome you were truly expecting! Systems tied to your “why” (e.g., energy for family) are motivating.
Before our next post, think of a few goals or wishes you’ve been considering—things you've started or things you're been thinking about. They could include things like running a 5K, losing 10 pounds, getting a promotion, learning a new skill, finding a partner, retiring, buying a car, connecting with your children or parents, or whatever has been on your mind! List as many as come to mind. Quite often, I've noticed, they display themselves as, "my life would be better if I..."
What to Expect in This Series
Join me as we design and build our Aiming Up Systems Planner to turn your goals and wishes into sustainable systems:
- Post 1: Why systems beat goals and what’s coming (you’re here!).
- Post 2: Explore your top three goals or wishes with the 5 Whys to uncover what drives you.
- Post 3: Create your first system with a daily rhythm and habit-building tips.
- Post 4: Refine your system to make it work for you.
- Post 5: Scale your system for long-term success and track your progress.
- Post 6: Complete your planner and plan for ongoing growth.
Next Steps: Take a moment to list your goals and wishes in a notebook or keep them in mind. Reflect over the next week—why do these matter to you? Join us next time as we explore our motivations with the 5 Whys and we'll start building our Systems Planner.
