This Year, Ditch Resolutions and Embrace Systems

Traditional resolutions often fail because they focus more on outcomes than the actions necessary to achieve them. So If you’ve found that you haven’t stuck with your 2024 resolutions, consider a different framework in the new year: system-driven productivity.

Systems stick. This year, instead of making a resolution to get organized, implement a system of spending 10 minutes tidying your countertop, desk and anywhere papers collect. Instead of resolving to get in shape, commit to taking a brisk 20-minute walk 4x/week.

Track actions. Shift the focus to tracking your goal-related actions instead of goals. Weight loss can take a while and stall from time to time, but if you do the right things often enough in terms of your eating and exercise every day, you’ll get there. So track those behaviors. You can, of course, get on the scale every day if this helps your motivation or mindset, but if it doesn’t, free yourself to do it less often and trust your system.

Leverage Micro Habits. Small wins can add up to big results over time — and they’re often easier to implement and stick with. Want to establish a writing habit? You can start by writing a paragraph a day and focus on consistency rather than output — and put more effort into finding the time and setting that helps you stay consistent.

Dealing with Setbacks. Progress is never perfect. Missed a day? No problem. Success isn’t about never stumbling; it’s about how you deal with getting back on track. Consider build “catchup days” into your system, so one missed workout doesn’t have to be logged as a failure.

Ready, Set … Grow!

Adopting systems over resolutions can help you build a habit ecosystem that grows with you even if goals shift and priorities change. Learning how to think about getting the results you want in life through systems and actions is a skill can serve you in your health, relationships, career and many other areas.

If you need additional help, download our free eBook. Branches Productivity offers actionable tips and a flexible approach to productivity, designed to help you seamlessly integrate systems into your daily life. Begin this year with a focus on systems, and watch the positive changes unfold!