Building a system is essential. Goals give us an illusion of control. Goals often give us the illusion of control—we believe that once we reach them, everything will fall into place. The truth is, goals are hard to achieve.
If your goal takes three years to accomplish, staying motivated for that long is nearly impossible for most people. We crave instant gratification. Our brains are wired to seek small, frequent hits of dopamine—the kind we get when we achieve something, no matter how small.
Think about it: most of the goals we set out to achieve? We abandon them. Why? Because they’re hard to reach. They feel distant and overwhelming.
A system is not about hitting a big milestone—it’s about rewarding yourself for every little step you take. The focus shifts from reaching a goal to building discipline. Motivation is fleeting, but a system gives you a way to make progress every day, no matter how small.
Tips for Building a System
- Start Small. Want to learn to code? Start with 15 minutes a day. Once that becomes a habit, gradually increase the time.
- Set a Routine. Show up every day. Consistency is what builds discipline.
- Don’t Set Goals—Focus on Identity. Instead of chasing a goal, decide who you want to become. Then, ask yourself what you should do everyday to be who you want to be?
The best way to achieve goals is by doing daily actions that compound over time to become something bigger.