Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the processes that lead to those results.

 

Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.

 

Commonly, when someone sets their health and fitness goals they start with the outcome they want:

I want to lose 5-10 kgs

I want 6 pack abs

I want to snatch 100kgs

 

There are outcome goals.

Outcome goals describe how we want things to be at the end of the process. There’s nothing wrong with wanting things. Or talking about what you want. Or starting with the end in mind.

 

But we can’t stop there ...

Wanting things isn’t enough. Even if you really, really, really want them. However, we often can’t control outcomes. Outcomes are affected by environmental things. Like:

Your job gets crazy busy

Your kid gets sick

Your gym closes for renovations

You have exams or assessments to do

 

They’re also influenced by physical things:

Your hormones.

You have a chronic illness. (Or even just a cold or flu.)

You’re stressed.

You’re travelling a lot.

You’re getting older.

You’re having problems sleeping.

You tripped over your dog and sprained your knee.

You can’t always make your body do what you want it to. But you can control what YOU do.

 

That’s why SYSTEMS are so important —They focus on the things we do have control over.

SYSTEMS represent our habits and behaviours. Our daily practices

SYSTEMS represent your commitment to practicing a particular set of actions or tasks every day, as consistently as possible.

 

 

Here is how:

Write down the outcome you want.

Think about all the small steps you can take to move you toward that outcome, and which ones should come first.

 

Here are a few other examples of how we can turn outcome goals into systems.

Outcome: Lose 5 kilos

System: Eat Protein and Nutrient Dense Foods at every meal. Walk 10K Steps per day

 

Outcome: Lower blood sugar

System: Eat low calorie fruit for dessert, instead of sweets

 

Outcome: Squat more weight

System: Squat 3 times a week at various intensities

 

Outcome: Sleep 8 hours per night

System: Create a calming pre-sleep routine and start it 30-60 minutes before bedtime

 

Outcome: Have a better relationship with partner

System: Have a date night once a week.

 

Notice how both goals and systems are trackable. However, systems are usually more effective because they give you something to do (and track) each day.

 

Creating powerful systems

Write down one outcome you want. Name the thing you want most right now.

Write down some of the systems you need to put in place to move towards that goal

  

Notice if there are any current systems in your life that are hindering you from achieving your goals

 

Practice your new system and tomorrow, and the next day. Keep in mind, if you don’t practice that system on a particular day, don’t let it derail you. Each day is a clean slate. Start again the next day.