Mark here.
Today, I want to share something that transformed my approach to success:
The power of systems over goals.
We’ve all been taught to set big goals, whether career milestones or personal life wins.
But here’s the reality:
Focusing too much on the goal can hold you back.
Why?
Because goals are just destinations.
Systems, on the other hand, are the daily actions that keep you moving forward.
The magic happens when you stop obsessing over the outcome and start mastering the process.
When you focus on systems, success becomes inevitable.
How This Played Out in My Life
When I transitioned from the NFL to mountaineering,
I could have focused only on reaching Everest’s summit.
But here’s the truth:
If I had fixated only on the goal, I might have missed what mattered most.
The real value was in the process.
Getting stronger, becoming more prepared, and building mental resilience every day.
Instead of being goal-obsessed, I focused on mastering the little things.
I showed up, trained hard, kept my mindset sharp, and adjusted along the way.
That’s what got me to the top.
The summit wasn’t the end.
It was just a checkpoint in a bigger journey.
Every win along the way came not from chasing the goal but from focusing on the system.
How to Apply This in Your Life
Here’s how you can start building your system for success.
Without getting bogged down by the big goals:
1. Identify Your Core Habits
Don’t worry about setting a massive, far-off goal.
Instead, ask yourself: what habits will make me better every day?
Focus on things you can control.
Show up, put in the effort, and learn as you go.
2. Commit to the Process, Not the Results
The outcome will come if you stay consistent.
Don’t stress about where you’ll be in six months.
Instead, focus on crushing it today.
In your work, health, or relationships.
3. Track the System, Not the Goal
Measure progress by how well you stick to your system.
Did you follow your routine today?
Did you stay consistent this week?
These wins build momentum and take you places you never expected.
Why It Works
By focusing on systems, you’ll find that success isn’t just about hitting one big target.
It’s about consistently putting in the work.
The best part?
Systems create results.
Without the pressure of constantly chasing the next big thing.
When you master the process, you’ll achieve things you didn’t even know were possible.
Success doesn’t come from reaching a single goal.
It comes from building something bigger.
Something that sustains you long after that goal is behind you.
Let’s build systems, not just goals.
Best,
Mark
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