The Difference Between Goals and Systems

byCarol46

1.4K followers

7 years ago

In my researching, I came across an article written by the Writer, Entrepreneur and Behavior Science Expert, James Clear. He explained what he sees as the difference between Goals and Systems which I found interesting as we often are encouraged to write down and define out goals.

So what is the difference between goals and systems?

• If you're a coach, your goal is to win a championship. Your system is what your team does at practice each day.
• If you're a writer, your goal is to write a book. Your system is the writing schedule that you follow each week.
• If you're a runner, your goal is to run a marathon. Your system is your training schedule for the month.
• If you're an entrepreneur, your goal is to build a million dollar business. Your system is your sales and marketing process.

What if we completely ignored our goals and focused only on our system, would we still get results?

For example, if you were a basketball coach and you ignored your goal to
win a championship and focused only on what your team does at practice each
day, would you still get results? I think you would.

Do goals reduce our current happiness?

When we are working toward a goal, we are essentially saying, "I am not good enough yet but I will be when I reach my goal".

Thus teaching ourselves to always put happiness and success off until the next
milestone is achieved. "Once I reach my goal, then I'll be happy. Once I
achieve my goal, then I'll be successful."

What is the solution?

James Clear says "Commit to a process and not a goal".

What do you think?

If you would like to read more on the subject;

https://www.entrepreneur.com/a...