The key to achieving success is not simply setting goals, but rather establishing a system of daily habits that support the desired outcome. Merely setting goals does not always lead to their attainment, as evidenced by the speaker's personal experience. Reflecting on goals set many years ago, the speaker realized that only those goals backed by a system of habits were achieved. The speaker observes that winners and losers in various areas often have the same goals, indicating that the determining factor is the system of behaviors and habits employed. Goals are the desired outcomes, whereas the system refers to the daily habits. If there is a misalignment between the two, the daily habits will inevitably prevail and dictate the outcome. Therefore, the current outcomes are a direct result of the habits and system followed in the past, not just the goals that were set.
Forming a new habit is tough. Sticking with it is even tougher. That’s probably why someone buys a copy of James Clear’s 2018 book “Atomic Habits” every 11 seconds. James breaks down the science of habit formation into simple, actionable steps anyone can take — even you. Today on the show, he talks Rufus through the four laws of behavior change, explains how small improvements compound over time to produce remarkable results, and offers easy tips you can use now to kick bad habits and adopt good ones.