Enjoying the Process

A system is a way of behaving that helps you move towards accomplishing something. A goal is usually an end state that happens after you have accomplished something.

“Once I reach my goal, then I’ll be happy.” The problem with a goals-first mentality is that you’re continually putting happiness off until the goal is reached.

A systems-first mentality provides the antidote. When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running. And based on what works, you can always make changes to the system:

Furthermore, a goal-oriented mind-set can create a “yo-yo” effect. When all of your hard work is focused on a particular goal, what is left to push you forward after you achieve it? This is why many people find themselves reverting to their old habits after accomplishing a goal.

The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. 

Watch this video:

 

An Example:

An example might be education. We need not really care all that much about grades for kids. We can rather focus on them to enjoy learning. We can talk about what they learn, ask them to explain things to us in their own words, help them to apply their learning to their life, etc.

We 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.

 

Goals are good for planning your progress and systems are good for actually making progress.

Goals can provide direction and even push you forward in the short-term, but eventually a well-designed system will always win.

Having a system is what matters. Committing to the process is what makes the difference. 

Question:

What are some of the systems/processes most meaningful as well as enjoyable to you?