how to easily build SYSTEMS that ACTUALLY achieve your goals this 2026

Summary

In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting the right goals and building systems to achieve them. While outcome-based goals like 'getting top grades' can be motivating, they often don't provide actionable steps. Instead, the speaker encourages setting 'actionable goals' that focus on becoming the type of person who can achieve those results. They also highlight the significance of creating adaptable, reliable systems to support these goals, acknowledging that willpower is still necessary but should not be solely relied upon. The video explores how to design these systems and the importance of trial, error, and continual improvement.

Takeaways

• 😀 You need a goal first before you can set effective systems. Without a clear direction, it's hard to build habits that lead to success.
• 😀 Outcome-based goals like 'getting top grades' or 'getting fit' are not actionable on their own, as they don't give you the tools to achieve them.
• 😀 A good goal focuses on becoming the type of person who would naturally achieve the desired outcome, not just focusing on the result itself.
• 😀 Setting a goal to become the person who achieves a specific outcome (e.g., top grades) creates an actionable path for growth and development.
• 😀 The idea of an 'ideal self' can be counterproductive. Trying to perfectly mimic someone else's habits can lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy.
• 😀 Failure in the pursuit of an ideal self is normal and helps define who you are. The focus should be on incremental improvements rather than perfection.
• 😀 Systems are crucial for success. A good system integrates tasks into your life in a way that requires minimal willpower and adapts to your challenges.
• 😀 Relying too heavily on willpower makes a system ineffective. Instead, systems should make habits easier to do, even on your worst days.
• 😀 Adaptable systems that account for challenges in your life (e.g., tiredness, distractions) are more sustainable and realistic.
• 😀 Building a good system involves continuous trial and error. You have to constantly evaluate and improve your routines to fit your goals and life.
• 😀 Even with a well-structured system, willpower is still needed. Systems make tasks easier but don't eliminate the need for effort and action.

Q & A

Why is it important to focus on building systems rather than just setting goals?

Focusing on systems rather than just goals ensures that you have a clear path to follow to achieve your desired outcome. A goal is a destination, but a system is a structured way to get there. Systems help you handle life’s challenges and maintain progress, even when you can't control the outcome.

What is the main issue with outcome-based goals?

The problem with outcome-based goals, like wanting to get top grades or find a partner, is that they focus on an arbitrary result that is often out of your control. These goals don’t provide a clear roadmap or the necessary tools to actually achieve them.

How does setting an actionable goal differ from setting an outcome-based goal?

An actionable goal shifts the focus from the outcome itself to the person you need to become to achieve that outcome. For example, instead of aiming for top grades, you aim to become the type of person who studies effectively and consistently, which then naturally leads to achieving top grades.

Why is it unrealistic to try to become the 'ideal' version of yourself?

The ideal self is often a perfectionist fantasy—someone who achieves everything without flaws or inefficiencies. Trying to mimic this version can lead to frustration, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy. The pursuit of this ideal is about making incremental progress, not perfection.

What is the risk of trying to mimic the ideal self in terms of productivity?

When you try to mimic your ideal self, you may set unrealistic expectations, which can result in feeling like you're not doing enough. This creates a cycle of self-judgment, making you feel inadequate even when you're making substantial progress.

How can you ensure your system works effectively, even on your worst days?

A good system is adaptable and integrated into your life in a way that doesn't rely on willpower alone. It should be flexible enough to accommodate life's challenges and inefficiencies, such as being tired after class, without requiring an enormous amount of mental energy to stick to it.

What role does willpower play in achieving goals, even with a system in place?

Willpower is still necessary, even with a good system. While systems make it easier to stay on track, achieving goals still requires effort and discipline. No system can make things entirely effortless, but it can make tasks more manageable.

How does the AIFlow app help with creating a better system for managing time and tasks?

AIFlow acts as an all-in-one planner that integrates tasks, calendars, and routines, helping you stay organized and manage your time effectively. It syncs with other apps like Notion and Google Calendar, offering features like task sorting, deadlines, and even an AI assistant to help manage your tasks.

What makes a system reliable and sustainable in the long term?

A reliable system integrates habits into your life in such a way that they become second nature, even on challenging days. Instead of relying on willpower to push through difficult moments, the system should be designed to work around your natural energy levels and life’s obstacles.

Why is creating a system considered a process of trial and error?

Creating a system is not an overnight solution. It involves experimenting with different strategies, identifying inefficiencies, and making adjustments over time. This trial and error process helps you learn what works best for your unique circumstances.