Struggling with Your Goals? This Simple Framework Can Change Everything

Let me take you back to a moment we’ve all experienced: setting a goal, feeling excited about it, and then watching it slip away—maybe because life got in the way or we couldn’t quite figure out where to start. Sound familiar?

If you’ve been struggling with your goals, I want to share something that might help: a book called Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows.

Picture this: You’re standing by a river, watching the water flow. You notice how the current shapes the riverbanks, how leaves drift along, and how one tiny pebble can send ripples far and wide. That’s how Donella Meadows sees life—as a series of interconnected systems where small actions can have powerful effects.

One of the ideas Meadows introduces is called “feedback loops.” Think about a thermostat. When your room gets too cold, it kicks on the heat. When it’s too hot, it cools things down. This is a feedback loop—it keeps things steady. Now imagine applying that to your goals. Let’s say you’re trying to exercise more. Each time you work out, you feel a little stronger and more energized. That’s positive feedback, nudging you to keep going. Recognizing these loops in your life can help you create habits that stick.

Another concept she explores is “leverage points.” These are the sweet spots where a small tweak can lead to big results. It’s like finding the perfect spot to push a heavy door—it doesn’t take much effort, but it swings wide open. If you’re overwhelmed by your goals, this idea can be a game-changer. For example, if you’re trying to manage your time better, setting a strict “no phone” rule for the first hour of your day could transform your focus and productivity without overhauling your entire routine.

What I love about Meadows’ approach is how practical it feels. She doesn’t ask you to fix everything at once or strive for perfection. Instead, she teaches you to step back, look at the bigger picture, and find the small, meaningful changes that can make a difference.

Sometimes, when we’re stuck, it’s easy to blame ourselves or think we’re just not good enough. But what if the problem isn’t you—it’s the system around you? Meadows’ book is a reminder that success isn’t always about working harder; it’s about working smarter by understanding the connections that shape your life.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, Thinking in Systems might just be the perspective shift you need. It’s not a quick fix or a flashy productivity hack—it’s a thoughtful guide to understanding how the world works, so you can design systems that work for you.

Happy reading—and here’s to building systems that lead you closer to your goals.