Focus on processes, not outcomes

In this series, we consider the plans and pitfalls that will either make you or break you in your quest to become a better man. In Part III, we look at the importance getting your systems in order.

Dreaming and setting goals is fun. It brings hope to our futures and it is a really important part of our success.  But it is only the tip of the iceberg.

Take for example the most common new years resolution - to lose weight and get fit and healthy. Only a small number of men will actually achieve this goal this year. In fact, the data tells us most men who set this goal will actually end up heavier by the end of the year.

Where the majority of men fall down is that they know where they want to be (healthy) but they have no idea on how to get there.

The author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, says: “Goals do not determine success. Systems determine success. You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems”. 

That is true of everything isn’t it?  Let’s say I need to lose two stone in weight but I have a busy life – a job, a wife and two kids to look after.  I need the systems in place to make sure I eat healthy meals instead of fast food.  If I don’t, I will keep going for a while and then give up. If I do a big batch cook on a Sunday afternoon, for example, that will feed me and my wife healthy meals for the next few days then my chances of success are higher than if I try and cook healthy meals every single day, when I get home from work tired, and I can get a takeaway delivered.

If you aren’t seeing good results don’t change your goal. Change the systems that cause these results. If we fix the habits, the outcomes will change themselves. 

Here are some examples of system changes that make a big difference to your outcomes:

Health systems

1 - Join a gym that you have to pass when travelling to or from work. Remove the 'distance' barrier.

2 - Get your kit ready, in your bag, and packed in the car (if you travel that way), the night before. Remove the 'time'

barrier, when you need to get out the door in the morning.

3 - Prep your meals as far in advance as you can. Bulk cook enough for three-five days. Pop it in the freezer if

required. Remove the 'energy' barrier.

4 - Have a back up. If you don't fancy the gym, have a workout you can do outside or at home. Remove the boredom barrier.

Learning systems

1 - Create a space where you are able to study. Remove the distraction barrier.

2 - Put your learning materials ready to go in that space or easy to reach. Remove the 'work' barrier.

3 - Know exactly what you are going to study and when. Remove the 'uncertainty' barrier.

Whatever your desired outcome, your systems and processes matter. To come up with yours:

Step 1 - Be clear on your desired outcome (define it, visualise it, make it SMART).

Step 2 - What positive actions do you need for the outcome to become reality? Write them down.

Step 3 - What barriers are likely to stop you from achieving your outcome, particularly when your energy and motivation are low? Write them down.

Step 4 - Create your systems by ensuring your positive actions are achieved and you can circumvent your potential barriers.

You can do this.