Goals Versus Systems. Why You Should Combine The Two.

In the world of productivity, there are two ideas frequently in conflict. Is it better to set goals or create systems?

My point. You need both. You need the system to last and the goal for fun, change and motivation…

But what exactly is the difference?

It’s well summarized by Scott who advocates the system.

If you do something every day, it’s a system. If you’re waiting to achieve it someday in the future, it’s a goal.”
—Scott Adams

A system has a vocation to remain permanently, while the goal has a duration. The acronym S.M.A.R.T defines it well. SMART goals are :

• Specific,
• Measurable,
• Achievable,
• Realistic,
• and anchored within a Time Frame.

My recent experience.

I have been practicing both for years. I’ve done Marathons, an Iron Man, a 100k race. That clearly goes in the goal category.

But I have been using systems for at least 6 years. They are associated with my routines.

I do for example : 

• A 7 minutes workout every day using the app 7 Minute Workout Challenge
• I write every day
• I learn a language every day.

So why do I advocate mixing the two?

From the above goals, you have understood that I am a regular runner.

But recently, when I returned from vacation, I was bitterly surprised. Despite my 7 minutes and my running, I discovered that I’ve put on extra pounds,

Why?

I lacked focus. I’m staying with the system, but I lack intensity. I run, but at the first challenging hill, I walk a little. I do my 7 minutes, but if I don’t feel in shape, I do fewer push-ups, etc…

In short, I am self-indulgent.

The trigger.

To be honest, my few extra pounds after the vacations and my wife. She started running seriously again to prepare for a half marathon (goal).

I don’t intend to follow her. It would be unrealistic given my current state of fitness (A: achievable). But I can very well choose my intensity and my preparation. So I’ve decided to enter the same race in a month, but reduce the distance. I will run the 10 km. (Realistic)

Since I set my new goal.

I gain fresh momentum in my system. I am putting more intensity into my 7 minutes workout and my runs.

I’m following a program for the 10k. So I have a goal for each run.

When I see the nasty hill, I’m mentally fighting to get over it.

I pay more attention to what I eat, so I’m lighter on race day. That’s, by the way, why 4 kilos in 4 weeks.

Discover my Resource guide: The 11 books that have influenced my career the most. (Including my favorite of all categories).

Convinced? Ready to try. The 5 steps to follow.

• Create your routines/system.
• Create a S.M.A.R.T goal.
• Get started.
• Document your results and experiences in your journal (system)
• Start over

We often tend to polarize everything. Good/bad. But we would often benefit from questioning our ideas, observing, testing. This is very well described in Adam Grant’s book, which I recommend.

I don’t believe in magic recipes.

I don’t believe in perfection.

I believe in continuous improvement and it’s within reach of each of us.

What are your next systems and goals?