Systems Thinking
I read a really good book this week and I want to share some thoughts about it. It is an easy read, so if this brief overview resonates I highly recommend read it in its entirety. It is called The Power of Systems: How To Create A Life That Works, and it is co-authored by Steve Chandler & Trevor Timbeck. This book was the most succinct, efficient takedown of what I call my “negative inner critic” than I could have ever dreamed of. After reading the last page, I thought “Well, now you can stop beating yourself up, Neal, and just focus on revising the systems in your life that aren’t working.” I may need to re-read the book from time-to-time to reinforce things, but it’s possible that the lesson will stick without such reinforcement. It’s just that simple and straightforward.
It’s premise is that the achieving the outcomes that we seek need not be a function of personal willpower. For example, consider the following three systems for achieving the outcome of exercising at the gym five times a week:
System 1: Wake up each morning, see how I feel, look at my calendar and then decide when to go to the gym.
System 2: Create a spreadsheet to track the number of days each week I make it to the gym. Block out five gym sessions on my calendar over the next week. Every Sunday, enter the number of workouts into the spreadsheet and schedule five more workouts for the following week.
System 3: Looking out two weeks into the future, for each and every day block out two times to work out at the gym, labeling them “Gym Plan A” and “Gym Plan B.” When you wake up each day, commit to at least one of those workout times and attend. On days when you have achieved your weekly goal of five workouts, you can delete both the A and B options if you feel like your body needs a rest day.
Three different approaches to achieving the same outcome. Depending on the person who is implementing the system, one of them will prove to be more effective than the others. And think of how many other approaches exist - lots of options for finding the best approach for any individual.
So, whatever your goals (exercise, work stuff, cleaning/organizing the house, whatever) - stop beating yourself up about your lack of resolve or lack of willpower and examine the current system that is not working. Try something new.
What if you gave yourself grace, choosing to not be self-critical, not dwelling on the past things that haven’t been working? What if you came up with a new plan, an intentional plan, and gave it a whirl?
This approach to living fits nicely with the concepts in James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. The talk that Clear gave at the Bryn Du Mansion last Fall continues to resonate for me. His basic message is: “Make it as easy as possible to do the things that need done to create the future you desire.” That sounds like a system to me.
Don’t dwell on the psychology of why you didn’t do the thing that you know you want to do! Simply reconfigure your system of doing into something that works. If you think this is some cute workaround, who cares - so long as it works? Perhaps revising a personal system is simply a way of renewing our vows to the goal we still desire. Renew that vow, and get after it.
Sunday Supper
Mardi Gras is this Tuesday. Throw a few strands of beads around your neck and make yourself a nice bowl of Gumbo, or Red Beans & Rice. I’m a sucker for Fattoush, too.
Sunday Music
Here’s Jason Isbell performing a new song from his recently-released solo acoustic album, Foxes In The Snow. And here is ninety minutes of Jazzy Jane playing the songs of Bill Evans. This time of year I always think of his song, You Must Believe In Spring. Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,