Goals vs Systems
Dr. Maggie and Dr. Josh have been reading, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. We have found some great insights that we would like to share with you, our Refuge community.
One important distinction the author made was the difference between goals and systems. A goal is a specific target that is either realized or missed, an objective that is successfully attained, or failed. Goals can help motivate you towards change, but often do not yield long-lasting results and must be replaced by another goal, like stepping stones. Once a goal is attained, there is a choice that has to be made to either continue to pursue another goal or to fall back into the automatic patterns you were in before you created your goal.
A systems approach, on the other hand, guides your daily choices to orient you to a way of life that can yield long-lasting effects. In a systems approach, you choose to be a certain way, rather than reach a certain target.
Let me try to illustrate the difference with an example; let’s say one of your goals this year is to lose weight. You decided to make it a SMART goal, one that is specific, measurable, achievable, and time-specific; you would like to lose 15 pounds by the end of June, about 3 pounds a month. This is a great target and is something that you can realistically attain in just over 5 months.
A system change that could yield you these same results in a long-lasting way would be to implement healthy choices, with an objective to do so 75 percent of the time. If you incorporate this systemic mindset into your identity, who you are, your daily choices will begin to reflect those of a healthy person. For example, you will choose to eat nutritiously, you will prioritize exercise because this is a healthy choice. You will make the choice to prioritize sleep and find ways to deal with stress in a healthy way. The system approach is a lifestyle approach that is not limited by the attainment of a goal and thus will be longer-lasting. Choosing to have a healthy lifestyle most likely will lead to the loss of 15 pounds; however, since you have incorporated the methods that brought you this change into who you are, you will be less likely to regress and gain the weight you have lost once you are 15 pounds lighter.
So, what is a resolution? A resolution is a commitment, a firm decision to do something or to refrain from doing something. Here at Refuge, we work to build a community that is focused on health, which empowers us to make better decisions and challenges us to grow in integrity by providing encouragement and accountability.
Our desire for you (and your new year’s resolutions!) is to lean into a systematic approach, to incorporate a lifestyle change that will lead to a healthier, stronger you. Continue to join us in our journey of health by committing to living a healthy lifestyle. Consider an annual physical therapy wellness visit for physical health, or even better, join our wellness membership for monthly check ups to help keep you working towards building greater health, strength and resilience!
Thank you for being a part of our community. We wish you the best this year and beyond.
