The Power of a System

Today I return to a provocative statement from an earlier blog: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” (from James Clear’s Atomic Habits). Unpacking this statement begins with defining systems. 

My definition sounds almost circular: systems describe the set of related practices that enable people to achieve their goals. Imagine taking a road trip. If habits are the mile markers, then systems are the highways. Or stay home and look at your houseplants: System describes all that you do to ensure that a potted seedling grows—placing drainage rocks, choosing a particular soil composition, fertilizing, watering, and regulating hours of sunlight. 

Systems and habits work best together when they are reflections of our identity, of who we are. Athletes fill their days include warmups, workouts, healthy eating, coaching and trainer sessions. “Together” leaders choose conferences and podcasts, books and 360-degree feedback sessions to learn efficiently and reflect powerfully. Disciplined believers read Scripture in the morning before checking their email. 

Systems also allow for what is called “habit-stacking.” With habit-stacking, you can link one good habit to another, receiving more “bang for your buck.” For example, if you already have the habit of drinking more water and less soda and you want to add healthful snacking to your regimen, make sure to place the crudities next to the water pitcher in your refrigerator.  Promote your health with your systems.

2022 can be a year for creating systems to achieve your goals. In doing so, be sure to devise systems that pass the why, what, and how tests:

o   Why:  Check to see that this system promotes your purposes and values.

o   What:  Check to see that this system enables you to stack your habits.

o   How:  Check to see that this system is easy to achieve and targeted toward growth.

Happy systematizing!