This is another one of those “in the weeds” practical posts. The concept behind this post is that if we can use systems to automate areas of our lives that regularly trip us up, then we have a much better chance of moving forward in positive directions. We may know someone who regularly forgets appointments or can’t be relied upon to do what they say they are going to do. Often, this is because of the lack of a system to help them. Creating a system is simply a means to take an area that we deal with regularly and automate the process to get the result we want. A very simple example is automating our mortgage payment with the bank to ensure that our mortgage payment is never late. Systems come in all sorts of varieties and colors. The balance is to have the right systems in place to help us in the areas with which we struggle without creating undesired rigidity in our lives. Systems should be designed to free us up and keep us pointed in the right direction.
Two of the most effective uses of “systems” for me are repeating tasks and blocking calendar events. Personally, I use a digital task manager called Things to help me. I use repeating tasks on a daily basis to help remind me regarding habits I am trying to develop. I also use repeating tasks on a weekly basis to ensure I am regularly reviewing my goals, planning my week, checking my budget, etc. Another system I use is time blocking. I regularly block large chunks of time in my calendar at the beginning of the week to help me make sure that my week is moving me forward in my priorities.
Below, I have listed several areas and questions related to possible systems. These systems are by no means exhaustive, nor are they ones that everyone will need or want to embrace. You may want to highlight one or two that could work for you. They are intended to provoke thoughts and creative solutions that might work for you. I hope they are helpful!
Calendar Systems
o Do you have one central place where you keep all scheduled events/meetings/appointments?
o Is your calendar easily accessible to you wherever you are?
o Do you keep all events on your calendar?
o Do you miss or forget appointments?
o Do you have repeating appointments that make priority areas of your life move forward automatically?
o Do you block large chunks of time for priorities?
To Do Systems
o Do you have a system for repeating tasks?
o Do you write down a to-do list for each day?
o Do you have a plan for each week?
o Do you plan out projects?
Information Systems
o Do you have a place for information you want to track or keep: passwords, favorite restaurants, books to read, great quotes, ideas, key documents.
o Do you have a system to keep technology in balance?
Financial Systems
o Do you have automated systems for paying bills on time?
o Do you have a budget and a system for keeping track of your budget?
o Do you have a system for regular giving?
o Do you have a system for regular investing?
Reflection Systems
o Do you have a regular time or times set aside for reflection?
o Do you set goals?
o Do you have a system to regularly review your goals?
Relational Systems
o Do you have a mentor?
o Do you have good friends and regular times to get together?
Spiritual Systems
o Do you spend regular time with God?
o Do you read/study/meditate on the Bible?
o Do you read spiritual growth books?
o Do you go to worship regularly?
o Do you serve others?
Health Systems
o Do you block out time for exercise regularly?
o Are you eating in a way that you are comfortable with?
If you have questions or comments or systems that have been particularly helpful to you, share them with everyone by commenting at the end of this post.
