Systems Part 2

I talked about systems in a previous post regarding how it applies to inventory and licensing. In this post, I want to cover systems in general and some great resources that you can refer to if you’d like to create your own. “Getting Things Done” by David Allan is a great resource for understanding systems, how to create them, maintain them, and thus gain brain space. His approach frees up your mind to do great thinking instead of getting bogged down in things you are afraid you’ll forget.

Another resource related to systems is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. He provides great reasons, and methods for developing habits. What does this have to do with systems? I’m glad you asked! He asserts that habits are more important than goals, as goals only provide a result, but systematically setting up small, achievable habits is what leads to the result and thus success. These habits are your systems. I’ve also been influenced by Michael Hyatt and his Full Focus approach. I’ve read several of his books, attended an Achieve conference (even got to ask him a question), and use his Full Focus Planner. Jon Acuff’s his books, online goal community, podcasts, and courses are all great to help you achieve the right things and have served as a great source of inspiration for me. One of my favorite books of his is “Soundtracks”. This isn’t directly related to systems, but our personal soundtracks. Those things we hear often in our head about ourselves do affect our ability to complete things to the best of our ability. I’d heard, “keep your thoughts captive,” in reading my Bible, Bible study, and sermons, but I don’t think I really understood it until I read this book. Although written for anyone to read and use, Jon is a Christian and I could hear the Biblical principals in the undertones.

I’m sure there are numerous other resources I’ve gleaned from in the last few decades. My goal is to be productive in the things God has called me to do. Finding ways to not be distracted from my purpose, finish the priorities, and what has been in the past the hardest for me…feel like I can be done for the day. Know I’ve done my best. Find ways to capture all the things that need to be noted somewhere and let them go so I can focus on the moment. Then I can enjoy time with my family and feel accomplished. God has called us to work and to rest, as well as live an abundant life now. Life is too short not complete our purpose, and live an abundant, joyful life.

What can you do to meet your purpose? What can you do to get the right things done and feel accomplished? What can you do to capture the things that run around your head so that you can focus on the moment of … work? …family? …joy?

And with all of that, don’t forget that there are things that we must do, but God is a god of plans and purpose not of chaos. Some things are simply not ours to complete. What can you turn over to him that He really needs to deal with instead of you trying to make things work?