How to Be More Productive: Goals vs. Systems
By Gabby Smith
January 3rd, 2025
With the New Year upon us, you most likely have been reflecting on what you would like to accomplish this upcoming year. You may be thinking about different skills or habits that you want to add to your routine, like reading more books, being more physically active, or keeping your home and personal space more organized. Maybe you have a big goal in mind for yourself, like, "I will read 50 books this year," or "I will save $1,000 in an emergency fund." Goals can be great, however there is another way to increase productivity: setting up systems or routines. Let’s talk about the difference between goals and systems and which one might work best for you.
What Are Goals?
A goal is something you want to achieve. For example:
Finish a school/ work project by Friday.
Save $50 to purchase a gift.
Run a mile without stopping.
Goals are helpful because they give you something to aim for. When you have a goal, you know what success looks like. If your goal is to save $50, you know you’ve succeeded at this goal when you reach that amount.
Pros of Goals:
Clear Targets: Goals tell you exactly what you’re working toward.
Motivation: They can make you excited to work harder.
Measurement: You can see your progress as you get closer to your goal.
Cons of Goals:
Short-Term Thinking: Once you reach a goal, you might stop working hard. For example, if you finish your goal of running a mile, you might stop running after that.
Pressure: Goals can sometimes feel stressful, especially if they’re hard to reach.
Factors Beyond Your Control: Sometimes things happen that make it hard to reach your goal, like bad weather or getting sick.
What Are Systems?
A system is the way you do things every day to make progress. For example:
Reading for 20 minutes every night before bed.
Putting $2 into a savings jar every week.
Running for 10 minutes three times a week.
James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, explains that systems are about focusing on the process, not just the result. Instead of saying, “I want to read 50 books this year,” you focus on building a habit of reading a little bit every day. Over time, the system helps you reach your goals without even thinking about it.
Pros of Systems:
Consistency: You keep improving little by little every day.
Less Pressure: You don’t have to worry about reaching a big goal all at once.
Long-Term Success: Systems build habits that last even after you reach a goal.
Cons of Systems:
No Immediate Results: Systems take time to show results, so you need patience.
Less Excitement: They might not feel as exciting as big goals.
Easy to Forget: It can be hard to stick to a system if you don’t remind yourself.
Which Is Better: Goals or Systems?
The truth is, both goals and systems can help you be more productive. The best way is to use them together! Goals give you direction, and systems help you get there.
Here’s an example:
Goal: Run a 5K race in three months.
System: Run three times a week, starting with short distances and adding a little more each week.
By focusing on your system, you’ll build the habit of running. Even if the race gets canceled, you’ve still improved your fitness because of your system.
Tips for Success
Start Small: Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one system at a time.
Celebrate Progress: Give yourself a pat on the back for sticking to your system, even if you don’t see big results right away.
Track Your Habits: Use a habit tracker to check off each day you follow your system. This helps you stay on track.
Resources to Learn More
James Clear’s Atomic Habits - A book full of tips on building good systems and habits.
"The Surprising Power of Small Habits" (Video) - A short video explaining why small habits matter.
Habit Tracker Printable - A free tool to help you stick to your systems.
https://www.bsu.edu/-/media/www/departmentalcontent/counselingcenter/workshop-handouts/managing-anxiety-and-depression/habit-tracker.pdf?sc_lang=en&hash=F0306F7F7169A7F48EB9F6866434115537436422
Remember, goals are great for giving you direction, but systems are what help you keep going every day. Together, they make a powerful team to help you achieve amazing things! Don't hesitate to take the first step – your well-being is worth it. Contact us at 217-203-2008, and let's continue this empowering journey together.