Build Systems That Actually Work

From Questions to Action: How to Build Systems That Deliver Real Results

Goals Are Overrated. Systems Are Everything.

Let me save you years of frustration: Goals don’t work. At least, not by themselves. Everyone talks about setting goals like it’s the secret sauce to success. But here’s the truth: goals are just the destination. If you don’t have a vehicle to get there, you’re just dreaming.

What’s the vehicle? Systems. Systems are the processes, habits, and routines that get you from where you are to where you want to be. And if you want to win—really win—you need to stop obsessing over goals and start building systems that work.

Systems vs. Habits: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear this up fast:

• Systems are your strategy. They’re the “how” of achieving your goals. For example, if your goal is to make $1 million in revenue from your new product, your system might be “generate 50 leads a week, close 10 deals a month, and upsell 30% of your customers.”

• Habits are the actions you take daily to execute your system. They’re the small, repeatable steps that compound over time. In the $1 million example, your habits might be “make 20 sales calls a day, follow up with every lead within 24 hours, and track your numbers every night.”

Systems are the blueprint. Habits are the bricks. You need both to build the house.

Why Systems Beat Goals Every. Single. Time.

Goals are great for giving you direction, but they don’t keep you moving. Here’s why systems are the real game-changer:

1. Goals End. Systems Don’t. You hit a goal, and then what? You’re left wondering, “What’s next?” Systems keep you in the game. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 kg, your system might be “eat 2,000 calories a day and lift weights 4 times a week.” Even after you hit 10 kg, the system keeps you fit.

2. Progress, Not Perfection. Goals make you feel like a failure if you don’t hit them. Systems focus on the process. Did you make 20 sales calls today? Great. Did you hit the gym? Awesome. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up every day.

3. Less Pressure, More Clarity. Goals can feel like a weight on your shoulders. “If I don’t hit this number, I’m a failure.” Systems take the pressure off because they focus on the process, not the outcome. You’re not obsessing over the finish line; you’re just putting in the work.

4. Life’s Unpredictable. Systems Adapt. Goals are rigid. Life is messy. When things go sideways (and they will), systems can adjust. Goals? They just break.

5. Intrinsic Motivation Wins. Goals set by other people (your boss, your spouse, society) can feel like a chore. Systems, though, are personal. They’re built around your life, your values, and your priorities. That makes them way more motivating.

How to Align Goals with Systems

If you want to achieve your goals, you need to build systems that support them. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with the End in Mind. What’s the Result you would like to achieve? Write it down. Now, reverse-engineer it. What’s the daily, weekly, and monthly action required to hit it? That’s your system.

2. Focus on the Daily Grind. Identify the habits that will make your system work. For example, if your system is to grow your business, your habits might include “make 20 sales calls a day, follow up with every lead, and track your numbers every night.”

3. Measure Everything. What gets measured gets improved. Use a journal, spreadsheet, or app to track your habits and progress. If you’re not tracking, you’re guessing.

4. Be Flexible, Not Flaky. If your system isn’t working, change it. Life isn’t a straight line, and neither is success. The goal is to keep moving forward, even if you have to pivot.

How to Find the Right System for You

Not every system works for everyone. Here’s how to figure out what works for you:

1. Start Small. Don’t try to boil the ocean. Pick one habit to focus on and build from there. Want to get fit? Start by working out 3 times a week. That’s it.

2. Experiment Relentlessly. Try different systems and see what sticks. If waking up at 5 a.m. makes you miserable, don’t do it. Find a routine that works for you. If one strategy doesn’t click, try another. This is your life—customize it.

3. Be Honest About Your Lifestyle. Don’t try to force a system that doesn’t fit your life. If you’re not a morning person, don’t schedule your workouts at dawn. If you hate cooking, don’t plan elaborate meals. Work with your strengths, not against them.

4. Be Patient, But Relentless. Building a system takes time. You’re not going to see results overnight, and that’s okay. Focus on consistency, not speed. Slow progress is still progress.

The Bottom Line

Goals are nice, but systems are what actually get you results. Stop obsessing over the destination and start focusing on the daily actions that will get you there. Build a system that works for you, stick to it, and don’t be afraid to tweak it along the way. Success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up every day and putting in the work. And if you can do that, you’re already winning.