Systems vs. Routines: The Difference and Why It Matters [Episode 332]

So let's jump into systems and routines now.

And I actually have a Venn diagram that's going to be on the show notes page.

So I encourage you to come and check it out if you want to see how they're unique and how they overlap, but I'll go ahead and read it here as well.

And the reason why we are talking about this is because, like I said in our mission statement, that we're helping people who are overwhelmed by the details of life to create simple systems so they can do what matters most.

Now, sometimes creating solid routines and routines calendaring habits and all of the other stuff we talk about here those are part of the systems and so there there is some overlap but when you actually learn the distinction between a system and a routine and when you learn how to use that information to reduce the friction in your life you'll see how it all works together and it's going to be that game changer for you So simple breakdown.

First, let's start with the middle of the Venn diagram.

Both systems and routines are done repeatedly.

They reduce mental load and they create consistent desired outcomes.

And I'll be sharing examples in a minute.

But systems uniquely can be designed to run without you.

They are triggered by a condition or a need.

They empower others to act either instead of you or in tandem with you.

And the others could even be something digital.

I know AI right now has a lot of skills and things, and I've got all kinds of digital systems running in our business.

Systems are also multi-step.

But routines uniquely are time anchored and on a schedule.

So typically it's daily, weekly, monthly, etc., they are executed personally, and they can be a single step.

Now, the way I've just outlined it isn't the only way to look at systems and routines, and I'm sure there are some situations where my definitions won't exactly fit, but let's just dive in and look at some examples because then when I share what I suggest you actually do with this information, you're going to notice more calm in your life.