PL 101: Systems vs. Goals (Discussion 4)
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Hello Leadership Crew!
Welcome to our 4th discussion in this first course. In todays discussion, we will be talking about systems vs. goals.
To start, please read this post here  and watch this video.
The basic argument here is that having a system is better than having a goal. A system is a way of behaving that helps you move towards accomplishing something. A goal is usually and end state that happens after you have accomplished something. I think eating healthy is a good example. A goal might be to lose 10 pounds. In this case, you feel kind of bad about yourself until you hit that goal; and then, once you hit it, you kind of lose the purpose because the goal has been reached. If you relapse and gain wait again, then you fall back into feeling bad about yourself again. Contrast this with a system of eating healthy. A system might include things like: having a big glass of water prior to each meal; eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; not eating after 9pm; and/or doing some level of intermittent fasting. You wouldnt integrate all of these new healthy eating behaviors at once. Instead, youd gradually introduce one and then another and then another over whatever period of time makes sense. The system enables you to continuously get healthier and healthier. You will eventually reach the goal, but itll be the byproduct of eating healthy.
Another example might be education. I dont really care all that much about grades for my kids. I mostly want them to learn and enjoy learning. We talk about what they learn, we draw things, they make their own educational videos, they explain things to me in their own words etc. I want them to have a system of learning and refining their perspective on things. If they have this system, then having good grades will be a natural result of enjoying learning.
This also has implications for 7 Cups as well. We might have goals of having a certain amount of group support messages or 1:1 messages. Those are fine goals to have, but we mostly want to create a system of support where people care for one another and then the natural result is an increased number of messages. Or, zooming back, think about this leadership development program. We could have an arbitrary goal of training a certain number of new leaders to serve our community; or we can co-create a system - this leadership development program - that helps people become leaders. The natural consequence of the program will be a higher number of trained, competent, and strong leaders that can better support our community. Â
What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed? What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
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@GlenM
My system will be a more organzied life without procrastnation
My 3 behaviors:
1- Plan ahead and set small milestones in my plan
Now I use a white board on my wall and write down what i need to achieve by end of the month and that helps me with knowing where i stand and where to go from that point.
2- Excute Excute Excute and more Actions than Planning.
I used to plan a lot and do less. For the past month I was using this method of just do it and I made a progress and I feel much more positive and proud of my progress.
3- Putting myself and career first.
I used to drop everything for those i cared about,but even though the essence of this is not a bad thing, it doesn't get me anywhere with more disappointments. So I'm looking for a balance
@GlenM
I frogot to Thank you for this topic as it made more sense to me now and gave me a new perspecive looking at my goals and life in general.
also, just a note that I couldn't Access the video as it appear to be private
What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
- I want to set up a system that forces myself to focus strongly on studying and completing assignments on the day they are assigned instead of before the deadline. My end goal of this system is to have the highest GPA I can possibly get.
What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
- I would start keeping a to-do list to keep track of all my tasks
- I would reduce the time that I spend studying while listening to music at the same time
- I would refrain from seeking help too soon and try to brainstorm first instead.
@GlenM
What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
Set aside time for self care as not just a priority but a survival requirement. This way I can better serve others because I took care of myself.
What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
Organizationation Focus: list making, deep thinking/reflection on how I am using my time and if this is productive
Slowing Down somtimes: I go at a very fast past sometimes and it's ok to have times where things slow down and not to multitask 24/7 but to do less so I can be my best.
Mindfullness: ensure I am in the moment and reflecting on feelings as they come my way so I can manage them and they don't manage me
A new system that I want to set up in my life is to remain consistently motivated and engaged throughout online school, rather than looking at it as a goal that just temporary and associated with negative emotions.
I can do this by practising proper, regular note-taking so that I concentrate on the teacher. I should also keep my phone away during classes so I don't get distracted. Finally, I should make sure to revise the notes to prepare for the next day's classes (so that I can remain in touch and feel like I know things, leading me to remain motivated and eager to learn more).
@GlenM
The system that I would like to set up would be-
Being forgiving of myself. Realising that people make mistakes, so do I, and I shouldn't judge myself all the time. I should be able to love myself, have that chocolate or an ice-cream and take care of myself
The three things at which I need to work on-
1. Proper time management- Being a high school student, this becomes a necessity since not sleeping on time or spending too much time on phone can affect my grades badly.
2. Feeling anxious in front of new people- I've always felt this way, and this nature of mine has kept me in oblivion from making new friends, and I could never have the best first impression.
3. Body positivity- I think this is an area in which I need to work on. I don't judge others, but I usually judge me. I didn't like myself when I was skinny, and now that I've gained weight, I don't like myself either. I think in the end, what matters is staying healthy and being able to do all the work without getting tired and staying energetic, having optimism, etc.
@GlenM
I agree with this post goals are good for directions but systems are important
If I talk goal wise I want to be able to do things before the deadline
And if I talk system wise I want to implement a daily routine that allows me to be productive but not rush through my chores. If anything I just said made sense
@GlenM
@GlenM
I agree with this post goals are good for directions but systems are important
If I talk goal wise I want to be able to do things before the deadline
And if I talk system wise I want to implement a daily routine that allows me to be productive but not rush through my chores. If anything I just said made sense
3 behaviours would be
1. waking up early
2. Studying regularly
3. Getting enough sleep
I think the system I need to set up is in studying to learn the material, not just the night before each test.
One behavior I can implement is reviewing all the material and notes from class as part of my homework each night. This will help me I understand the material so I can ask for help if I need it.
Another behavior I can implement is asking for help. Going to extra help that is available to me and asking the teachers to clarify concepts or questions in class will help me better understand the class.
A final behavior I can implement is starting work earlier and not procrastinating. I should start studying a few days before a test instead of the night before so that I can have a good grasp on material and less stress.
@Lww873 Makes a lot of sense, good luck!
@Lww873 This sounds like a great system! Good luck in all your classes!
I could not watch the video!
What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
Taking it day by day – that’s the system I’ve been working on. It’s also pretty applicable to most, if not all aspects in life.
I don’t like to bite off more than I can chew so I take it slow but consistency is always key. It’s okay if you don’t feel like it some days but always pick yourself back up the next day. It doesn’t have to be a lot because a little bit everyday can go a long way.
What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
Stretching/Yoga
I’ve recently been doing stretching exercises daily and have really enjoyed them to my surprise. Taking the time to stretch for just 10 minutes before bedtime really helps with muscle tension, body relaxation and sleep quality. I’m still trying to get into yoga though which is slightly more challenging for me since I have bad awareness of my breath/yoga flow…I usually just gasp for air like a fish XD
Working out
– Similarly, I’ve also been trying to work out consistently (I’m currently on my 13th week). I started with 10 minutes or less at the beginning and now I’ve managed to work up to about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per session.
Mindful Eating/Intermittent fasting
This is something I’ve been trying to implement somewhat unsuccessfully because I like to eat yummy food XD But the gist of it is to only eat when I actually feel hungry and not just because I feel like munching on something. If I can be more in tune with my body’s hunger cues, it’d gradually become easier for me to get into intermittent fasting later on.
@Cristen
Aw hey Cris, good to find you in the forum thread, haha 
Your system sounds good! Taking it day by day is so important, there are limitations to everything. Doing one thing every day rather than everything in one day is much healthier and better in the long run.
Your behaviours that you are trying to implement sound pretty awesome, and I am sure you are doing great with incorporating them into your daily life! When you said - "I usually just gasp for air like a fish" it made me laugh xD Yoga is definitely challenging but I am sure you will do amazing, as you said - take it one day at a time, you are doing awesome! Congratulations on being consistent with working out for 13 weeks straight, I am guessing it has been much longer now, way to go! 
Intermittent Fasting is something I've thought over in the past, I am hoping you have huge success with it! Best wishing, Cris!
You can't give your life more time, so give the time you have, more life.
@lueurspace
Gaw thank you lulu for your sweet and kind encouragement! Yeap I'm on Week 17 now 
Also good to see you doing the LDP too! All the best in the program! Bigbighugs and high 5 lulu~ (v〃∇〃)ハ(〃∇〃v)