Success Is Hard Until You Build Systems Like This

Achieving Success Through Systems

Key Concepts:

• Systems: Networks of interconnected actions, processes, or checklists leading to a specific result.
• Success: Achieving intrinsically motivated goals in a balanced way, enjoying the journey.
• Goal Setting Systems: Methodologies for defining and tracking progress towards objectives.
• Time Management Systems: Strategies for allocating and prioritizing time effectively.
• Health Optimization Systems: Routines for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
• Relationship Systems: Intentional practices for nurturing and maintaining connections.
• Financial Systems: Automated processes for managing income, savings, and investments.

I. The Philosophy of Systems & Defining Success

The core argument presented is that building systems is crucial for achieving success in both personal and professional life. Success isn’t simply reaching a destination (e.g., wealth, a prestigious job) but rather actively working towards intrinsically motivated goals in a balanced way, while enjoying the process. Ali, the speaker, defines success as a combination of goal achievement, balance across life domains (work, health, relationships, hobbies), and enjoyment of the journey. He emphasizes that achieving a goal at the expense of health and relationships isn’t true success.

The video highlights that consistent action is key to achieving goals, and a diversity of actions is needed for a balanced life. Enjoyment stems from a playful approach, sincerity, non-attachment to outcomes, and intrinsic motivation. Systems, therefore, are presented as a mechanism to facilitate these elements. As Ali states, “If you build systems into your life, you are actually far more likely to achieve your goals…have a balanced approach…and have enjoyment along the journey.”

II. What is a System? & Examples in High-Stakes Fields

A system is defined as a “step-by-step set of actions that leads to a particular result.” The video uses aviation and medicine as compelling examples of how critical systems are in high-stakes environments.

• Aviation: Airplane construction and operation are entirely system-dependent. Deviating from established systems can lead to catastrophic failure. All airplanes share a similar design because of optimized, proven systems.
• Medicine: While individual doctor-patient interaction is important, medical practice fundamentally relies on systems. The Calgary Cambridge method of patient interviewing is cited as a standardized system for gathering information. Even experienced surgeons must complete checklists before and after operations to ensure patient safety. This demonstrates that even experts rely on systems to minimize errors.

The speaker contrasts these fields, where systems are standard practice, with personal life, arguing that the same principles can and should be applied to personal goals.

III. The Effort Curve & Trading 212 Sponsorship

A visual aid (graph) illustrates the value of systems. Initially, building a system requires more effort. However, once established, the system reduces overall effort and increases efficiency compared to a non-systemized approach. The graph shows a steeper initial climb for the systemized approach, followed by a more gradual and sustainable upward trajectory.

The video includes a sponsored segment for Trading 212, an online investment platform. Key features highlighted include zero commissions, fractional shares, auto-invest features (Pies), and a cashback card with currency conversion at the interbank rate. A bonus is offered to viewers who sign up using a specific link: a free fractional share worth up to £100.

IV. Personal Example: Weight Training & Sales Processes

Ali shares a personal example of his experience with weight training. Five years of inconsistent gym visits yielded minimal results. However, implementing a system – hiring a personal trainer, scheduled workouts with progressive overload – led to noticeable progress. This illustrates the power of structure and consistency.

Another example is provided in the context of sales. A non-systemized approach to sales calls involves improvisation and inconsistency. A systemized approach includes a sales script, prepared responses to common objections, and a follow-up process, leading to significantly improved results. The speaker asserts, “The business that follows a system for their sales process is going to make way more money compared to the noob business that has no system around this.”

V. Five Systems for Increased Success

The video outlines five systems to incorporate into daily life:

1. Goal Setting System: Moving beyond vague New Year’s resolutions to a structured approach. Ali recommends his “GPS” system (Goal, Plan, System), which involves:
   • Vision: Defining long-term life direction and core values.
   • Three-Year Sketch: Creating a visual representation of desired outcomes.
   • Quarterly Quests: Setting 90-day goals.
   • Weekly Prioritization & Reflection: Managing tasks and reviewing progress.
2. Time Management System: Recognizing the limited resource of time (100 hours/week after sleep and basic needs). Key components include:
   • Time Blocking: Scheduling specific blocks for important activities.
   • Prioritization: Identifying the most crucial tasks.
   • Reflection: Regularly reviewing time usage and adjusting the system.
3. Health Optimization System (Health OS): Establishing routines for sleep, diet, and exercise. Specific recommendations include:
   • Sleep: 8 hours, consistent bedtime, 19°C room temperature, no phone in the bedroom.
   • Diet: Meal prepping, scheduled meals, reducing decision fatigue.
   • Exercise: Regular weight training, zone 2 cardio, yoga, 10,000 steps.
4. Relationship System: Intentional practices for nurturing connections. Examples include:
   • Weekly date nights.
   • Monthly relationship reviews.
   • Blocking out holidays in advance.
   • Standing order social events.
   • Annual traditions (e.g., Christmas cards).
5. Financial System: Automating savings and investments. The system involves automatically allocating portions of each paycheck to savings, investments, taxes, and bills.

VI. Conclusion & Key Takeaway

The video concludes by reiterating the importance of systems for achieving success. Systems reduce decision fatigue, promote consistency, and increase the likelihood of reaching goals while enjoying the process. The speaker encourages viewers to explore the GPS method for goal setting and provides links to related videos. The central message is that success isn’t about innate talent or luck, but about implementing effective systems to manage time, energy, and focus towards meaningful objectives. As Ali emphasizes, “Success…is really just about executing on a set of actions. Now, if you are making up those actions every time, depending on how you feel, you're a lot less likely to get to any particular goal compared to if you have a system.”