Why Creating Systems Is the Key to Achieving Big Wins

2025 begins today, and while the world is busy talking about resolutions (here’s how I’m making mine stick this year), I want to share a different perspective: systems.

Goals can be motivating, but they’re like signposts—they show you where to go but don’t give you the map to get there. That’s where systems come in. They are the habits, routines, and processes you rely on to make progress every day, even when motivation is low.

As someone juggling a full-time job, parenting, and managing chronic pain, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that systems are what keep me moving forward. They don’t have to be perfect or rigid—they just have to work for you.

The Problem With Goals

Here’s the thing about goals: they’re great for setting intentions, but they can also leave you feeling overwhelmed. For example, saying “I want to grow my blog” might sound inspiring, but what does that actually look like day to day?

Without a clear plan, goals can feel out of reach. Worse, if you don’t achieve them, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed. Systems, on the other hand, focus on the process, not the outcome. They let you build progress step by step, so you’re always moving forward.

What Are Systems, and Why Do They Work?

A system is a repeatable process or routine that helps you achieve results over time. Unlike goals, which are about what you want to achieve, systems are about how you get there.

For example:

• Goal: Write 20 blog posts this year.
• System: Dedicate 30 minutes each day to brainstorming, writing, or editing posts.

By focusing on the system, you make consistent progress without obsessing over the end result. The magic? You’ll likely hit your goal (or come close) without the stress.

My Favorite Systems to Keep Life (and My Blog) on Track

I’m not claiming to be an expert here—many of these are systems I’m still refining. But they’ve helped me enough that I want to share them with you.

1. Content Creation System

One of my biggest challenges as a blogger is staying consistent with content. So I’m batch-creating ideas at the start of each month to give myself structure. I keep a spreadsheet with topics, keywords, and deadlines, and Notion helps me visualize it all.

I’ll admit, I’m not always perfect with that schedule, but having a system in place makes it easier to pick up where I left off.

2. Social Media System

Social media can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling multiple platforms. My current system involves dedicating 30 minutes to scheduling Pins or drafting Instagram posts a few times a week. I use tools like Canva to create visuals and simplify the process.

Having a loose routine keeps me from feeling like I’m winging it every day.

3. Energy Management System

This isn’t a system you’ll find in a productivity book, but it’s crucial for me. Managing chronic pain and fatigue means I have to be intentional about how I use my time and energy.

For example, I try to alternate between sitting and standing while working, and I schedule small breaks to stretch or rest. These little adjustments add up, helping me stay productive without burning out.

How to Build Your Own Systems

If the idea of creating systems feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Instead of trying to create a one-size-fits-all solution, here are some ideas you can experiment with to see what works for your life:

Step 1: Start With One Stressful Area

Think about the areas of your life that feel the most chaotic. It might be managing your schedule, keeping up with social media, or just figuring out what’s for dinner every night. Choose one area to focus on and see if building a small system can help.

Because brain fog and fatigue are considerations for me, I ask ChatGPT to create a doable plan for my day that won’t send me into a 3-day coma.

Step 2: Break Things Into Smaller Steps

Sometimes the hardest part is just knowing where to start. Try writing down every step of the process you want to simplify. For example, if you’re trying to plan content for your blog, you might break it down into steps like brainstorming, drafting, and editing. Starting small can make things feel more manageable.

Step 3: Try Out Small Habits

Instead of jumping into a big, elaborate routine, experiment with tiny changes. Maybe you set aside 15 minutes each morning to brainstorm ideas, or you test out a new app to organize your tasks. Small adjustments can give you a feel for what works without feeling overwhelming.

Step 4: Explore Tools That Could Make Life Easier

There are so many tools out there, and not all of them will be right for you. It’s okay to try a few and see what sticks. Some tools I’ve been experimenting with include:

• Canva for creating graphics quickly.
• Google Sheets for keeping track of my blog content.
• Zapier to automate repetitive tasks (I’m still learning how to use it!).

You might find that a simple notebook works better for you than any app—and that’s okay, too!

Step 5: Adjust As You Go

Your first system might not be perfect, and that’s totally fine. The whole point is to keep experimenting and refining. If something isn’t working, tweak it. If a system feels like more work than it’s worth, let it go and try something simpler.

Why Systems Are Worth It

The beauty of systems is that they free you from decision fatigue and make progress feel effortless. Instead of constantly worrying about how to reach your goals, you’ll have a process to fall back on—even on your busiest days.

And here’s the best part: systems aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, doing the work, and trusting that the results will come.

Ready to Build Your Own Systems?

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, resetting your mindset can be a powerful first step before diving into systems. Check out Reset Your Mindset for the New Year for tips to start fresh and get inspired.

Once you’re ready, come back here to explore how simple systems can transform your daily life.