What the Focaccia?!

Forget Goals; Focus on Systems

“Forget about goals, focus on systems instead.”

– James Clear, “Atomic Habits”

At first glance, this concept might seem rather revolutionary.

But upon further examination, it actually makes a lot of sense.

In his outstanding book (run, don’t walk, to get this one), “Atomic Habits; An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones,” author James Clear explains:

“Prevailing wisdom claims that the best way to achieve what we want in life — getting into better shape, building a successful business, relaxing more and worrying less, spending more time with friends and family — is to set specific, actionable goals.”

Eventually, however, the author began to realize that his results had very little to do with goals he set and nearly everything to do with the systems he followed.

What’s the difference between systems and goals?

“Goals are about the results you want to achieve,” the author explains. “Systems are about the processes that lead to those results.”

There’s that magic word again: process.