In my last blog, I introduced a really interesting concept from the book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear. In this book, Clear explores the issues that arise when you focus more on the goals you set than the systems that you put in place to help achieve those goals. So, let’s dive back in to see the other problems that Clear describes for us.
Problem #3: Goals restrict your happiness.
The implicit assumption behind any goal is this: “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 next milestone. I’ve slipped into this trap so many times I’ve lost count. For years, happiness was always something for my future self to enjoy. I promised myself that once I gained twenty pounds of muscle or after my business was featured in the New York Times, then I could finally relax.
Furthermore, goals create an “either-or” conflict: either you achieve your goal and are successful or you fail and you are a disappointment. You mentally box yourself into a narrow version of happiness. This is misguided. It is unlikely that your actual path through life will match the exact journey you had in mind when you set out. It makes no sense to restrict your satisfaction to one scenario when there are many paths to success.
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 a system can be successful in many different forms, not just the one you first envision.
Once I made it to this point in the book, I knew I had to share it with you all. The narrow thinking Clear writes about is the enemy of permanent weight loss. The inherent need to continuously set weight loss goals means you never feel satisfied with the progress you’re making. Happiness is something that we can create and I want this new way of thinking to became part of your full, happy life.
Problem #4: Goals are at odds with long-term progress.
Finally, a goal-oriented mind-set can create a “yo-yo” effect. Many runners work hard for months, but as soon as they cross the finish line, they stop training. The race is no longer there to motivate them. 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. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress.
So, let’s apply this system-based mantra to weight loss. Continue playing the game the rest of your life. Set goals to help you with direction and give you short-term motivation, but focus on the process to make progress, see a difference and produce permanent results moving forward.
