It's time to challenge the norm and discover why building systems surpasses traditional goal setting. Let's face it: we often set goals, achieving some but falling short on most unless we have a truly robust and well-designed system in place.
Now, imagine if we disregarded our goals entirely and solely focused on refining our systems. The outcome would likely not only meet our goals but surpass them, providing us with established processes to replicate that success.
In essence, building systems proves to be a superior approach compared to goal setting, no matter how S.M.A.R.T. those goals may be. S.M.A.R.T. goals, characterized by being specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, revolutionized the concept of goal setting; however, it is now time to advance beyond this standard as well. As we embrace an ever-changing world, it is crucial to shift our attention towards constructing effective systems and this article will outline why.
So let’s shake things up and abandon the conventional approach to goal setting, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship. As entrepreneurs, our goals often revolve around financial motivations. For instance, we frequently set year-end goals to achieve a certain monetary target. While this represents a goal, developing a system entails implementing a strategy to generate leads for our business by performing a specific set of repetitive daily tasks is the better objective. By doing this, we can continuously measure our results week by week, assessing their financial impact, and make adjustments along the way.
By building systems, we can revolutionize our entrepreneurial journey, paving the way for sustained growth and success.
The Limitations of Traditional Goal Setting
Let's keep it real and spill the tea on goal setting. While it's been the go-to strategy for the ambitious go-getters, goals have their limitations. Psychologically, they are a little toxic. They can trap us in a short-term mindset, fixated on specific targets and missing out on building a solid foundation for long-term growth. Rigid goals can also fuel the fear of failure, holding us back from taking the bold risks necessary for success. And even when we do achieve our goals, we may still find ourselves unfulfilled, wondering what's next. It's time to break free from this cycle. Most of us are in very bad relationships with goals.
The Power of Building Systems Building
On the other hand, building systems is about creating sustainable, repeatable processes that propel us forward. Instead of solely focusing on the outcome, building systems prioritizes the journey itself, allowing us to embrace continuous progress, learning, and growth. When we shift our attention to developing effective routines, refining our skills, and improving our work, we establish a strong foundation for long-term success. Building systems becomes our secret sauce, empowering us to own our journey, thrive through setbacks, and pave our own path to greatness. When we have setbacks in a system we built, it is not as big of a deal unlike when we have fail to achieve a goal.
Building systems allows us to create sustainable, repeatable processes that propel us forward. It's about crafting well-oiled machines that keep our businesses running smoothly. If you follow your system, you are almost guaranteed to achieve the outcome that the system was designed for. One of our most favorite systems is an accountability system. Building systems means we're all about the process, not just the outcome. Success is no longer confined to checking off specific goals; it's about crushing it every day by taking action and making progress. Progress is good for our mental health.
Goal Setting Process vs Building Systems Strategy
Goals can sometimes lead to procrastination or a lack of motivation until a deadline looms. In contrast, systems promote consistent action. By focusing on building routines and habits, you establish a rhythm of productivity that keeps you engaged and consistently moving forward. The emphasis shifts from a deadline-driven mindset to a proactive approach that supports regular and sustainable effort.
Goals tend to have an endpoint, which can lead to a cycle of achievement and disappointment. In contrast, systems focus on consistent action and improvement over time. By building systems, you create sustainable processes that keep you moving forward, fostering continuous progress rather than relying solely on reaching specific outcomes.
Goals can become rigid and inflexible, leaving little room for adjustments or unforeseen circumstances. Systems, on the other hand, allow for adaptability and resilience. When faced with challenges or changing circumstances, having well-designed systems in place enables you to adjust and navigate smoothly, ensuring progress even in the face of obstacles.
Setting goals often fixates our attention solely on the end result, overshadowing the importance of the journey itself. Building systems encourages a process-oriented mindset. You focus on developing effective routines, refining your skills, and continuously improving the quality of your work. This mindset not only enhances your enjoyment of the process but also sets a strong foundation for long-term success.
Why Building Systems Works
Process Over Outcome: Building systems shifts our mindset from fixating on specific goals to focusing on the how. It's about creating a framework that fosters creativity, collaboration, and constant learning.
Scalability and Delegation: Systems are not just for day-to-day operations; they lay the foundation for scaling our businesses. By building systems that empower and delegate, we can expand our impact and bring talented individuals on board more easily.
Continuous Progress: Systems prioritize consistent action and improvement over time, fostering sustainable processes that keep us moving forward. It's about embracing the journey and enjoying the process.
Adaptability and Resilience: Unlike rigid goals, systems allow for flexibility and adjustment. They empower us to navigate challenges and changing circumstances smoothly, ensuring progress even in the face of obstacles.
Consistency and Motivation: Building systems encourages consistent action through the establishment of routines and habits. It keeps us engaged and motivated, shifting our focus from deadlines to proactive productivity.
Foundation for Scalability: Effective systems lay the groundwork for scalability and long-term success. They enable us to delegate tasks, streamline processes, and foster an efficient culture, setting the stage for sustainable growth.
In summary, goal setting revolves around defining specific objectives, while building a system centers on creating a structured approach or framework that supports the achievement of those objectives. As we pointed out above, in the age of artificial intelligence, building systems is more important than ever. In this era, the ability to execute is the difference maker and those who build systems will be able to execute better than others and shorten their time to market of their product and service in this one-click world that we now live in.
Goals are valuable, but systems are the backbone that helps you achieve them while also providing a framework for ongoing growth and fulfillment. First stop, develop your system for delegation rather that is through hiring employees, virtual assistants, automation or ai assistance. Conquer your entrepreneurial journey, one system at a time.
Beneath the Fold
If you are interested in plugging into a system for online course creation, the below link is an opportunity to be a part of the One Click Creator Academy that exemplifies these concepts of building systems for course creation using artificial intelligence tools. The One Click Creator is a decentralized community with mission to create greater access to high-quality education and well-being through Community Design and Technology of the Future. We are a network of individual brands, small businesses, educators, artist and digital creators all committed to strategic collaboration. Be sure to let me know if you decide to come on board. Once you come aboard, you will be invited to our What’s App Community.
Also if you are, ready to embrace systems and launch your business to new heights? Join us for the first launch in The 20-Day Launch Series: Launching Your Business! There is so much in store, so be sure to get connected. All new subscribers, will get the "Building Systems from a Goal" for free! If you love it, you can buy me a coffee or two :-) As always, I appreciate the support.
Looking to revolutionize your systems and achieve remarkable outcomes? "Atomic Habits" by James Clear is the answer. This game-changing book offers practical insights and a framework called the "Four Laws of Behavior Change" to establish habits that truly stick. From habit stacking to environment design and a growth mindset, "Atomic Habits" equips you with the tools to construct powerful systems for success.
