For over a decade, I religiously focused on goal setting. This went beyond my weekly or even quarterly objectives. At some point, I had multiple 5 and 10 year-long goals.

You might think, so what's wrong with that? The problem is the very nature of our lives. We move cities, change careers, people enter and leave the picture, we get hit by unexpected obstacles or strikes of fortune. A goal-driven outlook on life is unreliable and constantly in need of fixing.

I now believe goal setting, especially for anything longer than a few months, is a less valuable strategy when compared to system building. This is especially true if you aspire to live a life of personal fulfillment, growth, and meaning.

This directly contrasts the popular view of life as a list of boxes to be checked off from an accomplishments list.

Build Your System

As James Clear nicely put it, you do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

A system-driven life replaces endless planning with a constant focus on doing valuable activities. This is based on the belief that doing things that matter will compound into more meaningful outcomes and make the journey more valuable than the destination.

#1. Focus On Habits

Your habits should be the physical manifestations of your deepest values.

In my system, I prioritize daily reading and writing, spending time with my family and friends every week, and keeping a healthy lifestyle mainly through sports and taking time for myself. My system has priority to other demands on my time and attention.

#2. Track Your System

Your habits become a system when you start tracking them.

You don't need to set out every habit initially, but begin with the obvious ones. You already know what those are; it's usually things you know you should be doing but can't find time for. Keep a daily or weekly log on how you're doing; either digital or analog is fine. If you don't follow your system too many days in a row, figure out why and make a change.

#3. Enjoy The Journey

Now for the most important part, act on your system.

I find it almost magical how much more creative, energized, and excited I am about life when following my system rather than chasing a goal. Through serendipity and learning, I am achieving more in my professional life as well.

I hope you found this valuable. Let me know in a reply what your system looks like and what are your most important habits. 👇