Reach Your Goals This Year by Focusing on Systems, Not Results

The start of a new year brings an influx of ambitious goals—to lose weight, save more money, get that promotion, or finally start that passion project. These aspirations are inspiring, but far too often, they fizzle out before the end of January. Or even sooner. Why? Because people focus too much on the results and not enough on the systems that achieve them.

To reach your goals this year, shift your mindset. Instead of obsessing over the outcome, concentrate on the process. Think big, but execute small. Stay consistent. Develop a system that works for you and stick to it. And if you falter, remember this crucial rule: don't miss twice.

Why Focusing on Results is a Mistake

When you focus solely on results, you create a finish-line mentality. Once you hit your goal, the motivation fades and you often slip back into old habits. Worse, if progress is slow, you might get discouraged and quit. One of the things I try to do is design my system and then make that system a habit. Yes, a habit! I do this by just doing it even if I don't want to. Before I know it, I am working the system and the results automatically follow. A system is the process you follow daily, regardless of immediate outcomes. It keeps you moving forward, even when motivation wanes or challenges arise.

For example:

 • GOAL: Read more. 

 • SYSTEM: Start small. Read one or two pages a day! Place my articles or books in close proximity. Share what I read with others. Schedule the time to do it. Slowly increase pages to read. Do it daily. If you miss one day, don't miss two days in a row.

The result is important, but it's the system that makes the result achievable.

Think Big, Execute Small

Big goals are exciting—they give you a sense of purpose. But they can also be overwhelming. The secret to achieving them is breaking them into smaller, manageable actions. Focus on one step at a time. 

Let's say your big goal is to write a book. Instead of stressing over 300 pages, commit to writing two pages. I used this in writing the books I have written. It is hard to make the time, but remember, each page is a page closer to the goal. Over time, those small actions compound into significant progress.

Stay Consistent

Consistency beats intensity. You don't need perfect days to succeed; you need good days repeated often. Don't try to be perfect - realize you are going to miss the mark some days. Discipline, not motivation, is what gets you to the finish line. Motivation will come and go, but a solid system ensures you stay the course.

When you're tired, busy, or unmotivated, fall back on your system. It's your safety net. Consistency isn't about doing something perfectly—it's about showing up more often than not.

If You Miss, Don't Miss Twice

Life happens. You'll miss a workout, forget to track your meals, or fall behind on a project. That's okay. The key is to avoid letting one slip turn into a pattern. Missing once is human; missing twice is the start of a new habit.

If you miss, don't beat yourself up—just get back on track the next day. Remember, progress isn't about being flawless; it's about bouncing back quickly.

Tips for Developing a System

 1. Define Your Big Goal

• Be specific about what you want to achieve. This will keep you focused on a true north. 

 2. Break It Down

• Divide your goal into actionable steps. What can you do daily, weekly, or monthly to move closer to your goal?

 3. Make It Measurable

• Track your progress. Whether it's steps walked, pages written, or dollars saved, knowing where you stand keeps you motivated.

 4. Schedule It

• Set aside dedicated time for your system. Put it on your calendar and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment. Schedule you into your calendar. Most people forget themselves in their schedules.  

 5. Automate When Possible

• Use tools, apps, or routines to make your system easier to follow. I use a journal. I know this is old school, but it works for me.

 6. Evaluate and Adjust

• Evaluate and review your system. Step up your reps or efforts when you see your improvement. Are you making progress? If not, tweak your approach until you find what works.

Final Thoughts 

This year, don't just dream about your goals—create a system to achieve them. Focus on the daily habits and actions that lead to success, and let the results take care of themselves. Think big, execute small, stay consistent, and if you miss, don't miss twice.

With the right system in place, this can be the year you turn your ambitions into reality. Now, get out there and start building your system—you've got this!

- Dean