Set Your Goal but Focus on a Process

 

“Systems and processes are essential to keep the crusade going, but they should not replace the crusade.”_Simon Sinek

 

I have read different books on the power of goal-setting and a number of articles that stress the value of system thinking and process method to getting results and achieving success in business and life.  

Based on what I understand from my own personal study and experimentation, I conclude that both goals and systems are necessary tools in the journey of self-improvement.

Simply put, goals give us a direction to aim at so that all our efforts can be organized and purposeful. But systems and processes are essential to sustaining our efforts through thick and thin.

In the words of James Clear, the author of ‘Atomic Habits’: “Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.”

For example, as an ambitious student, you need a goal if you are keen to become the valedictorian of your set but the best prediction of your eventual success will be the strength of your system: your study habits, regular class attendance and your performances on continuous assessment.

Yes, it is important to have something to shoot at. But many of the people who set goals do end up missing their targets. So, we need to add a good system to the equation if we are truly serious about realizing our vision.  

You see, when we use the two great tools properly, we are not only likely to surprise ourselves but we will keep the momentum alive, moving from success to success long after we have achieved our initial objectives.

By setting a meaningful goal, we would have excluded ourselves from wandering generalities of the masses and by designing a formidable system, we would have protected ourselves from the danger of bipolar swings of discipline and willpower.

Therefore, set your goals but commit to a process: both are indispensable tools in the actualization of human potential.