What’s good everyone? I hope we’re all doing well. As you can see we’ve moved. I’ve spent the last year on Substack but I made the switch earlier this week to beehiiv. It has a lot more of the functionality that I’m going to be using for my Notes going forward. Hope you enjoy the new dynamic. (I’m definitely not feeling the blue and yellow colour scheme -- so if you have potential alternative colour schemes feel free to hit me).

I had a great lunch this week with one of my brothers who re-inspired me about the importance of building and sustaining systems for personal and professional growth. This week I expand on some of the thoughts discussed.

Systems, systems, systems.

“The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

The Goal-Setting Paradox

Goals are like destinations on a map. They give us a sense of direction and purpose, motivating us to push our boundaries and strive for excellence. Whether it's landing a dream job, completing a marathon, or achieving a certain revenue target in business, goals set the stage for our aspirations.

However, there's an inherent paradox in goal-setting. Once a goal is accomplished, the momentum often wanes. The sense of achievement can lead to complacency or even a feeling of being lost without a new goal to chase. This is where systems come into play.

🔧 Embracing the Power of Systems

Imagine a professional tennis player whose goal is to win a Grand Slam tournament. While this goal is undoubtedly crucial, it's the daily training routine, the strategic practice matches, the meticulous diet, and the continuous refining of their skills that contribute to their actual success. The routines and processes they follow are the systems that keep them in the game, irrespective of whether they win or lose a particular match.

Systems encourage us to shift our focus from a "finish line" mentality to an ongoing journey of improvement. They help us stay committed to the process, acknowledging that every small step taken is a part of the larger journey towards success

🎯 Embracing the Process of Systems

"The cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement" mentioned in the quote is at the heart of systems thinking. By focusing on this cycle, we shift our attention from achieving singular goals to nurturing an ongoing journey of development.

This approach also counteracts the all-or-nothing mentality that can accompany goal-setting. Rather than feeling like failures when we fall short of a specific goal, we recognize that it's the persistent effort and dedication to our systems that truly matter.

🎯 Building Systems that Complement You

“Play the game, but don’t believe in it - that much you owe yourself … Play the game, but raise the ante, my boy. Learn how it operates, learn how you operate.”

― Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

The key to excelling in the game lies in understanding yourself. What drives you? What are your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and values? By delving into these questions, you gain insights that act as a compass guiding your actions. Understanding yourself empowers you to make decisions that align with your authentic self, fostering a sense of fulfilment and confidence.

When you understand yourself deeply, you can design systems that harness your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses. This synergy enhances your performance and propels you forward with authenticity. Your systems become a tool for self-improvement, a mechanism for learning and growth.

Here's to playing the game with purpose, mastering its intricacies, and discovering the power of self-aligned systems.

Until next week. Peace.