Everything Has An Underlying System

The only thing that changes the results we get in life are the actions taken by us and the people around us. Each action nudges our life in a certain direction to influence what we experience as reality. 

When we think about taking action we often view it through the lens of what we willfully choose to do. These are the actions we take to generate the results we want. But there are many, many more actions taken behind the scenes that influence our lives even more. 

What governs those actions? Our environment. The design of life around us determines the path of least resistance, which is shaped by environmental factors. 

One of the most influential fixtures of our environment are the systems we live within. Systems are embedded in everything we do. In fact everything has an underlying system. And the idea is, the better and more intentional the system , the more effective the action in creating the results we desire.

The default system we have for doing anything consciously is ‘remembering to do it’. Those are the standard conditions our conscious actions operate within. Let’s take transferring your laundry from the washer into the dryer. There are a number of systems at play to remind you to complete this simple action.

First there’s your memory. Maybe you just think to do it. If that doesn’t work, then there’s a back up system of awareness when you go into your closet. Noticing empty hangers reminds you where your clothes are. 

But then there are upgraded systems to drive more reliable behavior. When the washer is done it makes an audible buzz to notify you that it’s time to make the transfer. Maybe you’re in the habit of leaving your laundry basket in plain sight as a visual cue to remember to transfer your laundry. Or how about the classic example of writing something down. That way when you ask yourself “what was it I needed to remember to do again?” you have the right answer easily accessible. 

When you upgrade your systems, you upgrade the quality, reliability, and effectiveness of action. And that’s what brings your vision for your life into reality. 

If you want to see some of the systems I have in place that have multiplied my daily productivity and focus, click here to check out a video I made about it.

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