When heading down the path of self-improvement, you are often told to set goals.
Goals can take the form of new years’ resolutions, and daily tasks.
But no matter what you call it, it can hardly be achieved without a system.
The difference between a Goal and a System
A goal is a desire- something you wish to achieve at some point in the future.
Meanwhile, a system is a plan you put in place for achieving that goal. This system can include daily habits, books you read, videos you watch, the events you attend, etc. Any action you take with the underlying intention of achieving your goal is all a part of your system.
Anyone can set goals but without systems, they will never be accomplished. Therefore, while goals are good, systems are better.
But it is important to recognize that you cannot have one without the other.
You cannot create systems without having a goal, no matter how small the goal is, and you cannot achieve goals without a system in place.
How to Create Systems for Achieving Goals?
1
Identify your Main Goal
This can be anything you desire, big or small.
But just ONE.
To make understanding each step easier, we will use the example of financial freedom.
So, the main goal is to have Financial Freedom.
2
Break it down into Smaller Achievable Goals (tasks)
Make a list of the tasks that need to be completed before you can accomplish your main goal.
Each task should be a small achievable goal that is in alignment with your main goal.
To continue with the example of Financial Freedom, the smaller goals might be:
- Find a job,
- Save some money,
- Start a business,
- Grow the business,
- Invest money into creating multiple sources of passive income.
These are a list of tasks or smaller goals that must be met before one can met their main goal of having Financial Freedom.
The same can be done for smaller main goals like deep cleaning your home which can be broken down into wash curtains and blinds, dust the ceiling, declutter kitchen drawers, etc.
3
Put aside the Main Goal
An important part of creating and using a system is the ability to put aside the main goal.
Your main goal is no longer the priority here.
Meeting the smaller goals on your task list is now more important and therefore should be placed ahead of your main goal.
4
Pick one of the smaller goals(task) to get started with
At this stage, it is important to meet yourself where you are at.
If you wish to create financial freedom but have no money, it would be unrealistic to start a business. You cannot start a business without any money. So, therefore, you first need a job.
But if you have a job and enough money saved, you can start a business. You can find a second job and save more money, but you do not NEED to do any of those.
The best thing to do is recognize where you are and pick the nearest task.
Make that task your current goal.
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5
Decide on one habit that would help you to meet your current goal.
What is the one thing that you can do daily or weekly that will set you up for achieving your current goal?
To have financial freedom, you need to find a job. So, one thing that you can do daily or weekly to find a job will be to apply to as many job openings as possible.
If your goal is to lose weight, then you might need to start by eating healthily. For this, eating a balanced diet can be your new daily habit.
Whatever the habit is that you choose, adding to your routine and make it a priority to check that box according to plan.
6
Once that goal is met, move onto task 2.
When your first task toward achieving your main goal is met, move on to task 2.
Accomplishing one small goal at a time is the key to becoming successful at your main goal.
By creating systems, problems such as procrastination and burnout can be avoided. It is important to have big scary goals, but it is more important for you to have a plan in place for achieving those goals.
Simply having goals is just not enough. You will never become successful by just having goals.
You must create systems to achieve them and to do this you need to:
- Identify your main goal.
- Break it down into smaller achievable goals (tasks)
- Put aside your main goal.
- Pick one of the smaller goals (tasks) to get started with
- Decide on a daily or weekly habit that will help you to meet that smaller goal.
- Once you have achieved that goal, move onto task #2
Now that you know how to create systems, use this knowledge to make all your goals reachable.
Then you will be on your way to Becoming Your Best Self.
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Similar article: The Ultimate Guide to Taking Charge of Your Life
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