Why Successful People Focus

Sometimes life feels like a constant fight. You’re trying to achieve something, but it always seems out of reach. You create something expecting approval, views, likes, or money in return. But here’s the thing—having goals isn’t the problem. The problem is making your daily happiness dependent on achieving them immediately.

When you tie your self-worth to outcomes you can’t fully control, disappointment becomes inevitable. But what if there was a different way? What if instead of abandoning your ambitions, you could focus on building systems that make success inevitable over time?

This means creating processes and habits that compound over time, making your goals a natural byproduct of consistent action. You still want the outcome—but you fall in love with the process that gets you there.

The Power of Systems vs Goals: A Mindset Shift

This correlates perfectly with James Clear’s ‘Atomic Habits,’ where he emphasizes focusing on systems instead of goals. The daily actions become rewarding in themselves, while still moving you toward your bigger vision. For me, this has been a game changer. Because it means that I can focus on my craft and constantly improve it with every blog post or video that I create.

Systems thinking transforms everything. Instead of hoping for motivation to strike, you build structures that work regardless of how you feel. Instead of relying on willpower, you design your environment to support the behaviors that lead to success. You create a sustainable rhythm that doesn’t require recovery.

When you focus on systems over goals, you’re already successful today. Every day you execute your system is a win, regardless of external results. You’re building the identity of someone who inevitably succeeds in your chosen field. And just like in nature, nothing is forced—everything flows from consistent, aligned action.

Building Natural Momentum Through Process-Focused Success

The beautiful paradox is that this approach often leads to better outcomes than pure goal-chasing. When you’re genuinely engaged in your process, you naturally inspire others. People are drawn to those who are clearly on a meaningful path, creating opportunities for collaboration and support.

You don’t have to force anything. You just need to design systems that align with your energy and strengths, then trust the compounding effect of consistent execution. Think of it like planting a tree—you water it daily not because you expect fruit tomorrow, but because you trust the natural process of growth.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

When you build systems that feel natural to you, work becomes an extension of who you are. You can track your progress not just in external metrics, but in the skills you’re developing and the person you’re becoming.

The Freedom That Comes From Systems-Based Thinking

When you believe in building your systems, you will feel no more roller coaster of highs and lows based on external metrics. You create more freedom for yourself. Focusing on systems lets you experiment without fear of “failure”. It lets you take on longer-term approaches, without feeling the pressure for immediate payoff. It makes you focus on quality, instead of quick wins.

“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” – Alan Watts

What you will notice when you focus on systems instead of results, is that you will find more fulfillment in doing things than in buying new stuff. I always like to think in terms of freedom to do activities that you choose to do instead of being trapped in activities that you have to do because you spent all your money on materialistic things. It becomes easier to be free when you enjoy the process the most.

Right now, we live in a world of consumerism. The entire economy is designed for consuming. This is what makes most of us trapped. The moment we realize that we do not need to consume that much, and that finding things you love to do with people you like is more important, we can step out of the trap.

How to Design Your Environment for System Success

I think your environment plays a very big role in building your systems. You perform better when you design your physical and digital spaces in an optimal way. To create an environment that supports your systems, you could:

• Create different spaces for different activities in your house
• Use a minimalist phone setup or block time-consuming apps
• Consider removing your television to do more meaningful activities instead
• Make the switch to healthier foods that are beneficial for your physical and mental health

These environmental changes will help you find more joy in processes and systems. The change can be easier than you think, because you can adapt to changes very fast. It might be difficult in the beginning, because you are so used to old habits, but long term it is worth it. When you have more time and energy to spare, it can be fun to do new activities and meet new people.

How to Adjust Your Systems Without Self-Judgment

When you are starting out to build your systems, you have no experience at all. You do not know how to build a professional system yet. Which is why adjusting systems when they’re not working is the way to go. Something you create five years from now will be completely different than something you create today.

This is why you should not judge yourself when you create. We are all here to learn and become a better version of ourselves. If you constantly live in fear of failing or being judged, you become passive, because you always think that you are not good enough.

It is always better to take action than doing nothing. Then you can at least learn from your mistakes, and improve them the next time. Focus on becoming the person you want to be, instead of focusing on achieving and tying your self-worth to results.

It is also a lot less stressful when you are not expecting achievements right away, and when you give yourself the permission to make mistakes. Making mistakes is natural, even though you were taught to not make any mistakes at school and work.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou

Start Building Your First System Today

Start small and build your first micro system this week. Begin with tiny, sustainable habits rather than overwhelming yourself. This could be creating a page of your first website, writing your first blog post, or creating your first video. Whatever it is, just create it and adjust it along the way.

It could also be changing your morning or evening routine to create more space and peace. Start designing your lifestyle in a way that is focused on processes and systems rather than outcomes, because that is a way more enjoyable way to live.

If you found this article helpful, check out ‘Provide value and gain Experience first. Money will follow‘ if you are just starting out your online business as a creator.

If you want to watch these blog posts in video format, check out my Youtube channel here.

Have a peaceful day,

Mart Bergsma