Systems Thinking

Having a system in place for the things you do in life is infinitely more powerful than simply wishing for things to get done. You stick with the system and many accomplishments are made.

However, I’ve noticed this horrible habit of people trying to fit a system rather than adopting a system to fit them.

There’s a desperation to follow in the footsteps of others, or to even take advantage of the latest app, that we force ourselves into the mold. While this may produce some results, it’s a constant fight of willpower to sustain.

Eventually, it will crumble.

I tend towards two questions when putting together the systems in my life:

  1. What will make this easier?
  2. How can I make this consistent?

For instance, at the stage of life I’m in now with small pockets of time throughout the day, sitting at my computer to write for large swaths of time is not happening. However, a legal pad and pen first thing in the morning while the kids watch cartoons is much easier.

As circumstances change, this system will change as well.

It’s hard to fit a mold, but it’s easy to create one for yourself. The keys are personalization and consistency because systems over time create powerful outcomes.