Setting goals is a common practice, yet most people fail to achieve them. Why is that?
- Achievements and results take time.
- They require positive habits.
- They require consistency.
- They require effort.
As a long-time advocate of goal-setting, I understand the excitement of chasing big dreams. However, there’s something even more important than goals: systems.
I first encountered this concept in Atomic Habits by James Clear, which was inspired by Scott Adams’ How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big.
The Problem with Goals
There are two main issues with focusing solely on goals:
- Too much focus on the result.
When you focus solely on the end goal, it’s easy to get discouraged. You set goals, get motivated, and make some initial progress, but soon frustration sets in because you aren’t seeing results quickly enough. Progress requires habits, consistency, effort, and—most importantly—time.As Hal Elrod puts it, “Repetition can be boring or tedious—which is why so few people ever master anything.” - Misconception about happiness.
We often believe that achieving a goal will make us happy. But think back to a recent accomplishment—how long did the excitement last? Usually, we’re already chasing the next goal, thinking, “Then I’ll be happy.” It becomes a never-ending loop, causing us to miss the beauty of the journey.
Why You Should Still Set Goals
Goals are important—they give you direction and a framework to build your systems. When setting goals, I recommend they be:
- True to you—goals that genuinely resonate with you.
- Big and bold—challenging enough to excite you.
- Specific and measurable—clarity on what success looks like.
While setting goals is essential, focusing on systems is even more critical.
Creating Systems
Systems are essentially the how behind your goals—your daily habits and action steps. For example, if your goal is to run a 5K, your system might involve jogging daily, stretching, and drinking plenty of water. Systems create consistency, and over time, they become part of your routine.
But mindset matters, too. Leave behind past failures and adopt a growth mindset. Self-doubt and impatience can sabotage even the best systems. Believe in your future self and show up as that person today.
Personal Experience
I’ve applied this thinking to my own business. When I noticed a lack of progress, I realized I wasn’t implementing strong systems. Here’s what I did:
- Content batching: Planning out steps for batching my work.
- Improving organization: Scheduling days in detail with tools like Google Sheets, Google Calendar, and Asana.
- Limiting distractions: Using app blockers and working in Pomodoro intervals.
- Mindset work: Overcoming limiting beliefs and focusing on my own growth.
- Focusing on the process: Not constantly checking analytics, revenue, or subscribers.
System Strategies
- Start small: Build one habit at a time, even if it’s as simple as writing one sentence a day.
- Compound your time: Stack habits like listening to audiobooks while driving or practicing gratitude while doing chores.
- Re-evaluate regularly: Assess your systems and progress, adjusting where needed.
Enjoy the Journey
The real value isn’t reaching the goal—it’s in who you become during the process. Systems build character, consistency, and resilience. Whether or not you reach your goals, focus on today and continually improve your process.
Set goals, but remember that systems are the foundation of long-term success.
