Smart People Don’t Set Goals: How Systems Drive Success & Achieve More

Why Smart People Don’t Set Goals Anymore (And What They Do Instead)

I used to be a big believer in goals. I’d spend hours writing them down, visualizing them, and creating elaborate vision boards. I had all the usual suspects: get fit, save money, start a business – the whole nine yards.

The problem?

None of them were actually happening. It was frustrating and embarrassing. I felt like I was doing everything the self-help gurus told me to, but still stuck in the same place.

Then, a conversation with a friend changed everything. He’d built a successful tech company, not by setting goals, but by using something different.

This new approach blew my mind. I have since achieved more in the past six months than in the previous two years.

Here’s the secret – it’s not about goals, it’s about systems.

Key Takeaways:

• Goals provide direction, but systems drive progress. Don’t focus solely on the end result, but on the actions that lead you there.
• Systems promote consistency and sustainability. Unlike goals, which can be fleeting, systems become ingrained habits that work even on difficult days.
• Start small, track your systems, and let results follow. Don’t overcomplicate things; focus on consistent actions, not just the end result.

The Problem with Goals

For a long time, I thought I was failing. I kept setting the same goals, year after year. I’d get excited initially, then lose momentum. It’s like wanting to travel to Paris, but having no idea how to book a flight or even get a passport.

Goals, on their own, don’t tell you how to get there. They can be vague and leave you feeling overwhelmed. I was stuck, focusing on the what instead of the how.

The Power of Systems

My friend, the tech entrepreneur, opened my eyes to a different approach: systems. Instead of fixating on end goals, he focused on creating repeatable processes.

A system is simply a series of actions you take regularly to get where you want to go.

What is a System?

A system is the vehicle that carries you towards your desired result. Unlike a goal which simply states a destination, a system outlines the journey.

Goal vs. System: Examples for Personal and Professional Growth

Here’s why I realized systems are better than goals:

• Systems reduce stress: When you have a system, you don’t have to constantly worry about hitting some arbitrary number. You just focus on following the process.
• Systems create habits: Goals are temporary; they disappear once you’ve achieved them. Systems become part of your routine, making progress more sustainable.
• Systems work on bad days: Motivation is unreliable, and systems work even when motivation is low, just like showering after a long day.

Why is this approach better?

According to James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits”, systems allow for continuous improvement. He argues that focusing on systems ensures you have a continuous pathway to your goals instead of feeling like you are constantly starting over. This is because systems are about the process, not the outcome, which makes growth more consistent.

How to Create Effective Systems

Now that you know the secret, here’s how I create systems:

1. Start Ridiculously Small: Don’t try to change everything at once. Want to read? Start with five pages a day. Want to get in shape? Start with one push-up a day. The system needs to be so easy, it’s almost laughable. Research by BJ Fogg, a Stanford behavior scientist, shows that starting small makes it easier to build new habits.
2. Focus on Consistency Over Intensity: I’d rather do something small every day than something huge once in a while. Systems are about building sustainable habits, not short-term gains.
3. Track Your System, Not Your Goals: Instead of focusing on end results, track whether or not you followed your system each day. Did I do my morning routine? Did I read five pages? Did I walk for 20 minutes? The results will follow naturally.

Goals vs. Systems – Understanding the Difference

Goals and systems can be better understood with an analogy, goals set direction, like wanting to drive to Los Angeles, whereas systems are your car, fuel, and the process of driving.

You need both but most people spend too much time planning and not enough on the action. Goals are still important for setting the direction, but systems are the vehicle that gets you there.

A Quick Recap:

• Goals: Provide a desired destination. They tell you what you want to achieve.
• Systems: Provide a process. They show you how to get there.

Final Thoughts

I was frustrated with goals before I discovered systems, because goals were simply wishes, not actionable plans.

Switching to systems has transformed my productivity and my general feeling of progress in life. By implementing the steps described, I believe you can benefit and see amazing results.

Remember, success isn’t about the goals you set, but the systems you create. Start small, be consistent, track your systems and watch the results unfold.

Don’t just dream about the destination. Build the vehicle to get you there.