Lost Without a Map? Let Systems Be Your GPS to Success

Many people are afraid of forming a system—a system of actions. They think having goals, action plans, checklists, and priority lists will chain them down. They worry that systems will suck the joy out of their lives, leaving them like a Wi-Fi router with no internet connection.  

But here’s the thing about this popular, pervasive, and seemingly beautiful belief—it’s absolutely wrong.  

Contrary to the fear that systems will box you in, the truth is that systems free you. They make you more productive with the tasks you have to do and give you more time to pour your heart into the tasks you want to do.  

 

Why do you need a system?  

Think of your life as a car ride. Living without a system is like driving without a map. Sure, it might feel adventurous at first, but soon enough, you’ll run out of fuel—or worse, end up completely lost. A system gives you direction. It is your very own GPS, showing you the most efficient route to taking charge of your life.  

When you build a system for yourself, you will be able to say, “This is what matters right now,” and, equally important, “This can wait.”  

Until last year, I couldn’t say no to people. I would hang out with my “friends” even if I didn’t enjoy their company or take up tasks I knew I didn’t have the time or energy to complete. As you can imagine, my life turned chaotic. It was like juggling ten things at once. Suddenly, it got too much, and everything came crashing down. I just didn’t feel like doing anything anymore. I felt way too confined.  

That’s when I came across the concept of “building systems.” I started reading about it and understanding it. Slowly, I could see my life getting cleaner. I began organizing and prioritizing my responsibilities. I started saying no to things I didn’t want to do. By doing that, I made more time to explore my passions. Everything I did was guilt-free now.  

That’s when I realized that a system is not like a cage. It is like a stage, where we get to set the spotlight, decide the cues, and perform our best.  

 

How do you build a system?

1. Zone out and daydream (we all do it, right?).

2. Jot down your dream – draw, write, or whatever floats your boat. Just make sure it’s super clear on paper.

3. Break down your dream into three types of goals:

    > Short-term goals: Stuff you can tackle in a month.

    > Mid-term goals: Things you plan to get done in a year.

    > Long-term goals: Goals for your whole life. You can keep tweaking these as you grow             and figure things out.

4. Create an action plan. Make a mind map, draw a flowchart, or whip up a simple to-do list—whatever lays out a clear roadmap you can follow.  

5. Work on your action plan.

                                                                                                                —Excerpt from Teenage Jugaad  

 

Final Thoughts:  

Start small. Build one system at a time, because we thrive when we have systems. Whether it’s a study plan for exams, a daily schedule, or a simple habit tracker, a good system builds discipline and confidence. And here’s the cherry on top: Systems teach you how to win.  

But here’s something to think about: What drives a good system of actions? What gives it purpose?

Maybe, just maybe, there’s another system—a deeper one—at play.

Post inspired by: What It Takes To Be Free by Darius Foroux