During the past few weeks, before and after the turn of the year, we have all been bombarded with one thing:
Setting your New Year’s resolutions.
Writing your intentions for the new year.
Manifesting your dream life and casting the list of manifestations.
The pressure is there, along with the brutal force of marketing.
I don’t care when you set a goal. It doesn’t have to be in January, for God’s sake. You can live your life off-script. We’re not robots, and our lives couldn’t be more different from one another.
In recent weeks, I’ve been discussing the concept of goals versus systems. I’ve explored how setting goals could easily hinder your progress, whatever your destination may be. If you haven’t read the latest newsletters, go check them out here.
Today, I’ll delve deeper into Scott Adams’ concept of systems versus goals and explore when to use one, the other, or a mix of both, with practical insights and thoughtful critique.
systems: the steady, calm friend you didn’t know you needed
Scott Adams prefers systems because they’re reliable and forgiving. With a system, every day you follow the process, you win. Unlike goals, which keep you in a perpetual state of “not there yet,” systems offer daily small victories. They’re an easier and friendlier way to progress.
Imagine you’re training for a marathon. A goal-oriented approach might fixate on running 25 km by a specific date.
But a system?
That focuses on building a habit of running three times a week, regardless of distance.
The former feels like a mountain looming over you, while the latter is a series of manageable steps. Manageable, achievable, down-to-earth little steps.
But let’s not romanticise systems as a cure-all. I don’t want to do that either. Each method has its use, along with its own set of challenges and blind spots.
when goals step in
Let’s not throw goals under the bus entirely.
Systems excel at building habits and maintaining steady progress, but there are moments when a clear objective is essential.
For example, when you have a specific deadline. Take exams, for instance.
Can you imagine going into one with just a “system of studying” and no specific material covered? Or, let’s see a different case, launching a product without a firm release date?
Goals help you prioritise and measure progress in situations where precision matters.
They’re great for short-term projects with clear deliverables: launching a new product, completing a fitness challenge, or saving for a holiday.
These scenarios benefit from deadlines and checkpoints, things that systems, by their nature, tend to lack.
However, goals come with risks. This is the point I was emphasising in previous newsletters. The main flaw of goals is the trap of “all or nothing” thinking. Missing a deadline or falling short can crush your motivation, which is why integrating goals with systems provides a safety net.
finding a balance: the hybrid method
This would be the ideal: using systems and goals together.
Let’s revisit the marathon example. The system ensures consistency, such as three runs a week, gradually increasing in intensity. But the goal of completing the marathon provides direction.
Without the system, you risk burnout or inconsistency. Without the goal, you might lack direction.
A happy middle.
Think of this hybrid (whenever I say hybrid, I can’t help but think of The Vampire Diaries! My bad—let’s focus!) approach as a GPS.
The system is the vehicle, keeping you moving, La la la laahh! And the goal is the destination, giving your journey purpose. Perfect!
A hybrid model can also reduce the psychological weight of goals.
For instance, if your aim is to write a novel, a system of writing for 30 minutes daily makes the task manageable, while the goal reminds you of the finish line.
Take Nanowrimo, for example, a creative writing event in which participants attempt to write a 50,000-word manuscript during November.
This synergy of both methods keeps you motivated and grounded at the same time.
addressing common critiques of systems
Some critics argue that systems are too vague, lacking urgency.
Fair enough.
But systems aren’t about complacency, they’re about momentum.
Scott Adams would argue that the daily progress systems often leads to unexpected opportunities, what he calls luck. Or where the magic lies, as I like to call it.
Another critique?
Systems don’t suit everyone. I fully agree. Different personalities excel under different conditions.
A goal-driven perfectionist might find systems too loose, while someone prone to anxiety might appreciate their flexibility.
The solution?
Adapt systems to fit your context or situation. If you crave structure, layer a goal on top of your system. If you need room to breathe, let the system guide you without pressure.
Another criticism is whether systems are enough for high-stakes endeavours like running a company or preparing for competitive exams. In these cases, systems provide the scaffolding, but goals bring the precision and accountability needed to achieve critical milestones or deadlines.
how systems adapt to different situations
Systems are flexible. They can adapt to your life, career, and even your personality traits.
More examples:
Let’s say you’re an artist struggling to complete a portfolio. A goal might be, “Finish 10 pieces by the end of the month.” A system, however, might look like “work on art for 30 minutes every day.”
The system is less intimidating and keeps the creative juices flowing. Which works better? Try it and decide.
But what about business?
Systems work wonders here too. Instead of setting a goal to “increase sales by 20% this quarter,” you could build a system: “Call three potential clients daily.” That small, consistent effort adds up without overwhelming you. Tiny steps that compound over time.
For more structured settings, like large-scale projects, systems can serve as the foundation, while specific goals define the critical milestones.
For instance, building a system to network daily can lead to landing a job, but having the clear goal of “submit 10 applications by next week” adds necessary urgency.
Another point to consider is, what do I need? Do I need to achieve this goal? Is it strictly necessary and non-negotiable, meaning the goal takes precedence? or am I working on a side hustle or hobby or some type of project that doesn’t require the demand of a concrete goal within a specific timeframe? In that case, a system works perfectly for you.
Now it’s your turn to think
What’s your next big challenge? Fitness? Career growth? Finally tackling that never-ending to-do list?
Think about it for a moment.
Could a system help you make steady progress? Would a goal give you that extra push? Or could a blend of both set you up for success?
If you’re unsure, try all three methods and see what works best. To sum up: choose depending on context, demands, or what suits your personality best.
If you’re curious about where this idea of systems versus goals comes from, check out Scott Adams’ How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big.
Love,
Noemi
