“What we really need to change are the systems that cause those results. When you solve problems at the results level, you only solve them temporarily. In order to improve for good, you need to solve problems at the system level. Fix the inputs and the outputs will fix themselves.
“Once I fix this, I’ll be happy: the problem with a goal first mentality is that you’re pushing happiness off until the next milestone.
“Goals create an “either-or” conflict: either you achieve your goal and are successful or you fail and you are a disappointment. You mentally box yourself into a narrow version of happiness.
“When all of your hard work is focused on a particular goal, what is left to push you forward after you achieve it?
“The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about a single accomplishment. It’s about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress.”
