Course 1, Discussion 4: System vs Goals
Hello Leadership Crew!
Welcome to our 4th discussion in this first course. In today's 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 wouldn't integrate all of these new healthy eating behaviors at once. Instead, you'd 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 it'll be the byproduct of eating healthy.
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.
✒️ 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?
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
❗After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here!
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@Hope
1-A structured daily routine that balances academic study for my MSWC with proactive mental health management. This includes scheduling specific blocks for coursework followed by mandatory
recovery periods to prevent burnout.
2-three behaviours
a) Consistency over Intensity
b) Active Boundary Setting
c) Focus and Account
ability
@SOULANDSCIENCE
Heya Soul 😊!!!
I really liked how structured n intentional your system is, especially the way u balanced academic work with recovery time <3 That’s something many ppl overlook, n it’s important for preventing burnout ❤️
Your focus on consistency over intensity n setting boundaries really stood out to me (≧▽≦) Those are powerful habits that can make a big difference in the long run fr ;) I also liked the idea of accountability, it shows a strong commitment to staying on track.
Overall, ur approach feels very realistic n sustainable. Keep it up, you’re building a strong foundation 😊
@Hope
A key system I need to set up in my life is a daily learning and helping system where I consistently improve my knowledge and support others. Instead of focusing only on outcomes, I want to focus on building habits that make learning and helping people a natural part of my routine. Three behaviors I can gradually implement are setting aside a specific time every day to learn something new about emotional support and mental health, actively listening and responding thoughtfully to people who need support, and reflecting on my conversations to understand how I can improve and become a better listener.
@blitheMagic9358
I really appreciate how you shared your thoughts in this thread. It’s inspiring to see you reflect on your own habits and recognise the importance of building systems instead of just chasing goals. You are already taking meaningful steps toward balance, and I believe that with consistency, you will see lasting positive changes. Keep going; you are doing great!
@blitheMagic9358
Your point about reflecting on conversations stood out to me, it’s such an underrated habit, but it can genuinely help someone grow into a more empathetic and effective listener over time.
@blitheMagic9358
Heii Magic 🤗
Yaay!!! This is such a thoughtful approach ;) I really like how you’re focusing on making learning n helping others a daily habit instead of just aiming for outcomes <3 That kind of consistency really makes a difference over time 😊
Your ideatuon of reflecting on ur conversations stood out to me too, it shows a genuine effort to grow n improve as a listener 😊 That’s not something everyone takes the time to do ❤️
It feels like you’re building something meaningful n sustainable here : ) keep up, this is a great direction 😊
@Hope
✒️ What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
- The key systems I need to establish in my life to help me succeed in eating healthy include consistent routine, meal preparations, weekly check-ins.
✒️ What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
- The three behaviors I can implement in my daily routine to adjust to the new system in my life are consistent routine meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), preparing meals ahead of time to decrease the risk of eating non healthy foods and provide weekly check-ins to review my progress.
Meal-prepping is so intimidating but such a game changer! I just do simple meal preps and my current favourite are these egg-bites. They make a perfect high protein snack and meal when combined with other things.
I think the meal prep trick is to start small so it's more manageable. Good luck!
@Hope
A Key System I Need to Set Up
One key system I need to set up in my life is a consistent routine for managing my time and energy. Instead of focusing only on end goals, I want to build daily habits that help me stay balanced, productive, and resilient. This system will allow me to make steady progress without burning out or losing motivation once a goal is reached.
✒️ Three Behaviours to Grow This System
Daily Planning: Each morning, I will spend a few minutes organising my tasks, prioritising what matters most, and setting realistic expectations for the day.
Scheduled Breaks: I will intentionally take short breaks throughout the day to rest, stretch, or step away from screens, so I can recharge and return with focus.
Reflection Time: At the end of the day, I will reflect on what went well and what I can improve, which will help me gradually strengthen the system and stay consistent.
Taking breaks is just as important as doing our other tasks! It's a great idea to schedule them into day-to-day life :)
@Hope
I enjoyed reading this!
1. What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
A key system I need to set up in my life is a consistent and balanced routine for productivity and emotional well-being. I want to build a system where I show up daily in a structured but realistic way. It could be managing my time better, reducing procrastination, and taking care of my mental health alongside my work.
2. What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
Daily planning and organizing my tasks, Time blocking with adequate breaks, Small self-care habits.
Time blocking to include adequate breaks is so important! Breaks are so important for productivity, maybe even more so than doing the task itself! I also love the idea of small self care habits throughout daily life. I love keeping a hand cream near me and I always have a good stock of my favourite tea. Even things like choosing to get off an earlier bus stop when the weather is nice to get some extra steps and fresh air! I believe that building such things into your daily life helps but one must also try to dedicate some specific time to self care activities so that you're not 'rushing through them' in a way or trying to do them between tasks in an effort to 'be productive'.
Perhaps what could help is being more mindful that we deserve to slow down and take care of ourselves. Not everything has to be done quickly or in the most efficient way! The productivity culture of today can be rough sometimes!!
Wonderful system, with the smallest things which make your life convenient and happy !
@listeningyouout29,
I really liked your perspective on building healthy habits gradually instead of focusing only on results. Your approach felt realistic and motivating, and I think consistency really does make a big difference over time.
What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
I might need a system regarding managing stress and yes, getting things related to school and college applications done.
What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
Doing a little bit everyday regarding my college applications like working with my counsellor, or just googling up colleges, or just looking into one. And with studies, doing a little bit every day. And rather than postponing, trying to prepone or doing things as early as possible is helpful. Getting up early in the morning leaves the whole day for me, and I want to stay in a routine.
I love that you mentioned doing a little bit every day. There's this great quote/ thought I like to think back on:
"Running one mile has more in common with running a marathon than sitting at home.
Investing $100 has more in common with being a millionaire than being broke.
Writing one sentence has more in common with writing a book than never writing one.
It always feels small in the beginning and the big goals seem far away. It's easy to talk yourself out of the early attempts because they feel kind of meaningless.
But every race starts with one step. Every fortune starts with a small deposit. Every book begins as one sentence.
The real question is not "What is my current position?" but rather, "What is my current trajectory?" Doing nothing builds nothing. Put yourself on the path to something better. Start small, but make sure you start."
@gentlemelon85
Hi Gentle 😊
I like how you kept your system simple and realistic. Doing a little every day sounds small, but it actually builds strong consistency over time. Your focus on starting early is a smart move.
You're amazing :)
@AiluraTheCat and @awesomeForever34, thank you for your kind words, i am happy to see that my system seems to be effective and that you like it.
@gentlemelon85
A pleasure !! You're appreciated 😊
@Hope
I’m really enjoying these activities. They’re helping me understand myself better n see things from a broader n more meaningful perspective.
✒️ What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
One key system I need to set up in my life is focusing on consistency n staying present instead of constantly worrying abt the future :) I’ve noticed that I often feel like I’m running out of time, which makes me try to do too much in a single day. This usually leads to burnout )':
Recently, I’ve begin to realizing that this comes from anxiety, not reality. So I want to build a system where I focus on small daily progress n overall improvement rather than rushing everything at once 🤗💕
✒️ What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
To gradually build this system, I can implement these behaviors:
1. Shifting my mindset from worrying to action <3 instead of overthinking the future, I will focus on what I can do in the present and build consistency step by step.
2. Reducing screen time n balancing my roles ❤️ I tend to spend a lot of time switching between member n listener accounts n tryna to do too much at once. I want to limit this n give more time to real life so I don’t overwhelm myself ｡◕‿◕｡
3. Setting aside time for self-care, daily spending at least some time each day on things like calming my mind, focusing stabilizing my thoughts n emotion's, n taking care of my health so I can stay emotionally stable n avoid burnout ;)
@AiluraTheCat your plan to devlop a new system sounds solid, wishing you all the best!
@Angelanj
It appreciate it, sweetie 😊!
@AiluraTheCat, your identification of the system and the behavior to help you succeed the system sounds really flawless. Loved your well thought response, you reflected very well by basing your behavior on the key system. I really hope that you're doing well on your journey.
Wishing you more growth, peace and warmth~🍀🎐
@Hope,
Q1. What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
One important system I need to build is maintaining consistency and balance between my studies, responsibilities, and personal well-being.
Q2. What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
- Following a more structured daily routine.
- Managing my time more mindfully and avoiding procrastination.
- Taking proper breaks and maintaining healthy boundaries to avoid burnout.
@IamSkyBlueAakash
I really likedhow practical and realistic your goals are 🤗
Building consistency n balance honestly makes such a big difference over time <3
I also liked that you included rest and healthy boundaries, because success becomes much harder when we ignore our well-being completely :)
*You're amazing*
Haha , Thanks a lot for huge appreciation Cat. You are amazing too 🥰🫂
@Hope
✒️ What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
Developing healthy coping skills.
✒️ What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
- Practicing emotional regulation skills.
- Creating a coping toolkit and using it regularly.
- Reaxhing out when I need support.
@Angelanj
Aww, I really like your focus on developing healthy coping skills. 😊
Practicing emotional regulation, building a coping toolkit, and reaching out for support are all practical steps that can make a big difference over time. Small, consistent actions like these can help create a stronger foundation for handling challenges in a healthy way.
One step at a time, one day at a moment ;)
@Hope
✒️ What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed?
Keep on showing up for my dreams.
✒️ What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life?
1. Setting up a routine.
2. Only focusing on the task that are important.
3. Not over grinding myself for the sake of my dreams.