I've often said that, "systems beat goals, every time." The
key is that goals are a "destination" or target in the
future. Systems involve continuous daily actions that get
us there. It's important to strive for a future goal, but
the secret to success is more in the "daily doing" than in
the "big dreaming."
I've recently read biographies of two of America's great
19th century industrialists, Andrew Carnegie and John
Rockefeller. They both grew up poor, lacked formal
education, and yet built colossal empires. They were
roundly criticized, but each achieved extraordinary success
in their respective fields. They were the two richest men
in the world, and they prided themselves on working very
little!
Rockefeller often took naps during important Board
meetings, and went home for lunch and a nap every day.
Carnegie rarely worked more than three hours a day.
The key to their amazing success was not hard work,
brilliance, education or luck. The key is that they were
each able to develop systems and organizations that created
enormous wealth.
The same is true today. Bill Gates did not create Microsoft
by being a brilliant software engineer. He built Microsoft
by devising systems and partnerships that made his software
indispensable around the world. Remember his early vision
of a computer on every desk? Well, look at your desk!
The fact is that too many people try to create beauty while
surrounded by chaos. They are trying to achieve big goals,
but their energy is exhausted on errands, the crisis of the
day, on being busy rather than being productive. It's very
hard to achieve great things when you "major in minor
things" most of the time!
To create the life you truly want, you need systems that
automatically carry you toward your ultimate goals.
You need habits that reflect your values because habits are
stronger and more reliable than choices. You need routines
and patterns, friends and traditions that build you up
rather than wear you out.
Design your office, your home, your schedule and your
relationships so they conspire to help you get there! Talk
with loved ones so they actively support you! Eliminate
clutter and replace it with equipment, furnishings and
tools that make you smile, that energize you and keep you
focused. Design a schedule that includes time for your most
important daily priorities.
Systems are the key to extraordinary success!
key is that goals are a "destination" or target in the
future. Systems involve continuous daily actions that get
us there. It's important to strive for a future goal, but
the secret to success is more in the "daily doing" than in
the "big dreaming."
I've recently read biographies of two of America's great
19th century industrialists, Andrew Carnegie and John
Rockefeller. They both grew up poor, lacked formal
education, and yet built colossal empires. They were
roundly criticized, but each achieved extraordinary success
in their respective fields. They were the two richest men
in the world, and they prided themselves on working very
little!
Rockefeller often took naps during important Board
meetings, and went home for lunch and a nap every day.
Carnegie rarely worked more than three hours a day.
The key to their amazing success was not hard work,
brilliance, education or luck. The key is that they were
each able to develop systems and organizations that created
enormous wealth.
The same is true today. Bill Gates did not create Microsoft
by being a brilliant software engineer. He built Microsoft
by devising systems and partnerships that made his software
indispensable around the world. Remember his early vision
of a computer on every desk? Well, look at your desk!
The fact is that too many people try to create beauty while
surrounded by chaos. They are trying to achieve big goals,
but their energy is exhausted on errands, the crisis of the
day, on being busy rather than being productive. It's very
hard to achieve great things when you "major in minor
things" most of the time!
To create the life you truly want, you need systems that
automatically carry you toward your ultimate goals.
You need habits that reflect your values because habits are
stronger and more reliable than choices. You need routines
and patterns, friends and traditions that build you up
rather than wear you out.
Design your office, your home, your schedule and your
relationships so they conspire to help you get there! Talk
with loved ones so they actively support you! Eliminate
clutter and replace it with equipment, furnishings and
tools that make you smile, that energize you and keep you
focused. Design a schedule that includes time for your most
important daily priorities.
Systems are the key to extraordinary success!
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