Are systems your magic (missing) ingredient?
Because willpower alone is rarely enough
I’ve been talking about structure and systems a lot recently, both for my clients and myself. When I say structures and systems, I mean the processes, tools, reminders etc. that we use for both organisation and accountability. What helps make sure the things we need and want to get done, actually get done.
I have a love/hate relationship them personally. I know they are good for me, I know they help, make me better, more productive, more organised etc. Yet I hate the fact I need them, with a secret wish that I could simply use my own willpower and discipline to get things done.
The result? I create the structures then don’t really use them, so I don’t get all the benefits.
Take a moment to think about it. How do you relate to structures? Love? Hate? Embrace? Resist?
Many of us will have areas where we embrace and empower systems, me included. The areas where they are often of most value (and hardest to empower) is where we are doing things on the edge of what’s comfortable. Things that are stretching or that we find hard. Thing we will naturally resist or avoid. (For me, that is and continues to be writing my book!).
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” James Clear
I love this quote because it encapsulates so much around the value of systems. We may have lofty, exciting, stretching goals, but without systems to keep us on track we are far less likely to achieve them.
Systems are like guide rails that nudge us back on track. The better they are, the more we use them, and the sooner they kick in when we get off track, the more likely we are to achieve what we want to.
If, like me, you’re someone who resists systems (or maybe you work with someone who frustrates you with their resistance!) here’s a few ideas to help get them in place:
Keep it simple. The simplest solution is fastest to implement and often easiest to actually use.
Make it easy. Remove or reduce as many barriers to using the systems as you can. Systems need to be available easily or they won’t be there when you need them.
Make them fun. There have been times I’ve used sticky stars on a chart because it makes me want to track habits (don’t judge me!). Something appealing is more likely to be used.
Involve others. External accountability can be a big motivator, and provides encouragement when you’re lacking it.
Be creative. If the most obvious solution is something you find dull or uninspiring, try a different approach. Something a bit different keeps you interested.
Let me know how you get on!
Sweating the Small Stuff
This week: Being your word
One of the best ways to build trust is to do what you say you’re going to do. Conversely, not doing what you say you will is one of the biggest destroyers of trust.
Notice what you commit to, and whether you follow through. If you have a tendency to promise then forget/be late, even on things that feel very small, systems could be a missing ingredient to help you be your word.
Or, you may need to look at what you promise. Do you like saying yes but then overcommit and make it impossible to follow through? You might benefit from a reminder that it’s OK to say no sometimes.
I’d love to know your thoughts! Comment below and start the conversation.
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