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Goals Give You Purpose. Systems Give You The Means

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Goals Give You Purpose. Systems Give You The Means

Can you remember a time when you set a big goal for yourself, like getting good grades, learning to play the violin in three months, or writing three articles in one week? Goals are great because they give you something to work towards—a kind of motivation that fuels your enthusiasm to achieve them. But the truth is, while goals show us where to go, it’s the systems you create to help you reach those goals that are the real deciding factor.

This idea is inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, so let’s explore it further, shall we?

Why Goals Are Important

Goals are like the finish line in a race. They give you direction and a reason to move forward. Without a goal, it’s easy to feel lost or unmotivated. For example, if your goal is to pass your math test, you know exactly what you’re working towards. It’s your guiding star.

But there’s a catch. Goals alone don’t guarantee success. Think about it: everyone who runs a race wants to win, but not everyone crosses the finish line first. Why? Because goals are only the beginning. The real magic happens when you work on the process (systems or habits) to achieve those goals. These may include daily or weekly practice.

The Power of Systems

A system is like a set of daily habits or routines that help you move closer to your goal. If a goal is your destination, the system is the map that shows you how to get there.

Let’s use an example. Say your goal is to get better at writing. A system for this could be:

  • Writing for 20 minutes every day.
  • Reading one book a month to learn from other writers.
  • Asking a teacher or friend for feedback on your work.

With this system in place, you’re making progress every single day, even if you don’t see results right away. Systems keep you grounded in the process, not just the outcome. And when you give full attention to the process, the results take care of themselves.

Why Systems Work Better Than Goals Alone

The problem with only relying on goals is that they’re temporary. Once you achieve a goal, what’s next? For example, if your goal was to pass your math test, what happens after you pass it? Do you stop learning math? Systems, on the other hand, are ongoing. They help you build habits that last a lifetime.

Another reason systems are powerful is that they help you stay consistent. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes your motivation might fade. But if you have a system, you don’t need to rely on motivation alone. You have a plan to follow, even when tough times roll around.

How to Create a System That Works for You

Creating a system doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by breaking your goal into smaller steps. What can you do every day or every week to move closer to your goal? Make those steps simple and realistic so you can stick to them.

For example:

  • If your goal is to get fit, your system could include exercising for 15 minutes daily and drinking more water.
  • If your goal is to improve your grades, your system could involve reviewing your notes for 10 minutes after school and asking questions when you don’t understand something.

The key is consistency. Small actions, repeated over time, lead to big results.

Bottom Line

Goals give you purpose. They’re the “why” behind what you do. But systems give you the means. They’re the “how” that makes your dreams possible. Once you start giving full attention to your daily habits and routines, you are bound to achieve more than you ever thought possible.

So, set your goals. Dream big. But don’t forget to build the systems that will take you there one step at a time.

Disclaimer: This blog is inspired by ideas from James Clear’s Atomic Habits and is meant to provide practical tips for building better habits. Individual results may vary based on effort, consistency, and determination.

Media Contact:

IBSU Media Team

IBSUniversity

PO Box 5181, Boroko, NCD,

Papua New Guinea

M: +675 7028 8030 | 7411 4100

E: ask@ibs.ac.pg | media@ibsu.ac.pg

Editing & Narrative Direction: IBSU Library & Information

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