Thread by @AndreBothmaTax

Short thread on goals and systems.

As we close out this year and plan for 2022, for those who feel like goalsetting isn't working for them - try the systems approach (credit goes to: @JamesClear)

Goal: Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 10 years
System: Go to Jiu-Jitsu twice a week

1. By creating a system (how / when / what you'll do on a daily / weekly basis) it feels like you're making steady progress.

What's great about the systems approach is that you don't need to operate with goals at all.

2. Even though it is my goal to get my black belt, that's not really the focus at all. The focus is on getting on to the mat. The belt is just the outcome.

Systems are focused on the journey.
Goals are focused on specific outcomes.

3. A famous psychologist and author (Dr P) likes to say: you get what you aim at; and if you aim at nothing, you'll hit nothing.

So I support the hypotheses: Have an aim.

But focus on building a system that helps you take a better shot.

4. The other problem with being outcome focused, is if you don't reach the goal, it's very demotivating and you can end up feeling depressed about not living up to the own standards you've set up for yourself.

5. This is specifically where I prefer Dr K (psychiatrist)'s approach: "Focusing on the ACTION, and ignoring the result, moves you closer to the result."

ie Focus on the system (the action), rather than the goal (the result), moves you closer to the result (the aim)

6. (My take) on vision boards: Make them, but also write out specific actions you can take regularly, to make them happen.

Then focus on those actions, while keeping the vision in the back of your mind.

Hope this helps someone.