What Does Goals vs. Systems mean?
We all like to set ourselves goals in the hopes that we can achieve them but it is very rare without putting a system in place. A goal is a result you want to achieve and a habit is a process that leads to those results. Goals are focused on the end achievement and systems are focused on the journey.
We set goals for ourselves all the time whether we realise it or not. Often our goals are unrealistic but that can be altered quite easily. Even with realistic goals in place we often can’t achieve them no matter how much we want to, nothing seems to work sometimes. And that’s where systems come into place.
Having a system instead of a goal is an easy way to help ourselves achieve whatever it is we want to do. Putting systems in place will help you to not fall into the mindset of I will be happy when I reach this milestone and instead allowing you to find happiness in the process.
Identify What Is Essential
What is essential to you? This is the key to putting a system in place, you need to know what is most important to you. Recently I have been trying to focus on my mental health, I have mainly been focusing on making time for self-care to help me feel more positive. I have also been doing anything I can to avoid or lessen andy stresses or anxieties I may have.
So it all depends on you and what is essential to you so for example if you are trying to focus on getting healthier and fitter then you will need to alter your diet to eat healthily and also put in place some kind of exercise regimen.
Focus on Yourself
I think this is a key step, you need to take time to focus on you and whatever you need. I have been trialling a lot of different self-care activities and also lots of different journaling and planning activities. These are important to me, they are helping me focus on myself and allowing me to take my time.
Focusing on yourself will help you adjust and find the best system for you. Again if health and fitness are essential to you, you will need to focus, take care of yourself and put yourself first. I often put others needs, health and happiness above my own without even realising, prioritising them over me. However, I have been focusing on myself and trying to ensure my needs are met and that I am happy and healthy.
Make Time For What Is Essential
You need to make time for what is essential, I have made time to do self-care activities to calm myself and help improve my mood too. I have been making time to journal and plan as well to lower my stress as well. This has made an incredible difference in my life and the way I am currently feeling.
Again, if your health and fitness is essential to you then make time for it. Make time to exercise and go outside. Make time to go out and buy fresh foods and make time to cook them. You are completely in control of your life so you need to decide what time is spent doing what.
My System
I like to have structure in my day, I like to know what I am doing and when I am doing it. So I have set myself morning routines and night routines, I plan my days and do what works for me. My focus has been on my mental health so I have implemented lots of self-care into my routines. I have some activities set in stone, my morning and night routine never normally change too much, but I do add in some other activities occasionally and I have a list that I pick them from.
So for example in my morning routine has maybe four or five different activities that help me clear my head and set the right tone for the day. My night routine has three things that help me calm myself ad get ready to sleep. Then I may do one other activity every day just for my self-care. I have a huge list of loads of different self-care ideas and activities. I just pick one off the list and do that one.
Make Your System
Making your system doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. The easier way to do it is to focus on what is essential and then make time for it. Creating and sticking to new habits will help you ensure your system stays in place. it is important that you focus on yourself and make the system work for you.
Do I Still Set Goals?
I still set myself goals and ensure that they are realistic. I think goals are important they inspire me and motivate me to work harder. That said I don’t think goals are for everyone, some people feel discouraged by their goals. Do what is best for you, you decide what works and what doesn’t for you. I like setting myself goals but I prefer relying on my systems to get results and see a difference rather than focusing on the outcome of a goal.
