Notes on: An Almost Foolproof Way to Achieve Every Goal You Set

'An Almost Foolproof Way to Achieve Every Goal You Set' is an article by Jeff Haden and was originally published on Inc.com.

Step One: Stop focusing on the actual goal.

When it actually comes down to getting things down and making progress, it is more important to focus on the systems that will get you there, versus the goal itself.

The Difference Between Goals and Systems

Goals are the desired end result, whereas systems are the tactical steps and process to get you there. Foe example, your goal may be to run a marathon, your system is the daily training you will need to do in order to accomplish the goal.

Three more reasons to focus on systems versus goals:

1. Goals reduce your current happiness. If you tie success to achieving a goal, then you are not successful until the goal is achieved. Instead, if you commit to a process, you can stick to the process routinely and feel successful right away.

2. Goals are at odds with long-term progress. Goals do not necessarily keep you motivated over the long-term, and sometimes, once achieved, unless it is quickly replaced by another goal, then progress can be halted, or even sometimes, reverted back. Instead, giving the need for immediate results and focus on a sustainable long-term process.

3. Goals suggest you have control when sometimes you do not. When you set a goal you are trying to predict the future, but circumstances change and we must adapt alongside them in order to maintain momentum. Instead, be prepared to make adjustments to your process in order to continue on the path to long-term progress.

Fall in Love With Systems

Goals help you plan your progress, but systems are what make your progress.