Simple systems are all around us, and being able to influence these systems is important in order to attain both personal and professional success. There’s a saying that you are where you are today because of the choices that you made yesterday. But if you don’t like the results that you’re getting, we have good news for you - YOU have the ability to create the positive change you want. All you need to do is tweak the system.

In this episode, Brooks and Mike talk about how everything in life is the result of simple systems mechanics, share how these simple systems are vital to working effectively (and not just efficiently), and why they are the real key to achieving your goals. All you need to do to change your future is make the right adjustments to your systems, and in this episode we’ll help you identify the systems that need attention in your own life by sharing 6 characteristics of a good system, show you how to develop a systems mindset and achieve the results you’re looking for, and give you some quick tips you use to start making those 1% improvements that will take you to your ideal future.

Cheat Sheet

What is a system anyway? 2:15

The 3 key parts of any system 4:40

Six characteristics of a good system 9:18

Why a system should always give you predictable results, and how to change it if it doesn’t 18:15

Thinking like a geek: how to always be on the lookout for improvements to your systems 23:21

How to create habits and rituals to manipulate your systems for greater success 28:00

1% improvements that leverage the compound effect to get you to your ideal future 34:42

Why "eating your frog" is so important to your success 36:39

Why you need to get better sleep 44:45

How movement is an important habit, and why meditation and gratitude can transform your habits 53:22

Saying "no" even when there is free space on your calendar 59:36

Additional resources to help you develop a systems mindset 1:05:46

Links

Video Interview with Sam Carpenter of Work the System

6 Characteristics of Good Systems

Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less

Think Like a Geek Image

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Mind Food: How to Become More Creative and Successful by Watching What You “Eat” (TPS170)

Overlap: A simple strategy for closing the gap between where you are and where you want to be w/ Sean McCabe (TPS163)

Sleep Cycle

Flux

Headspace

The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It

AE NeuYear calendar 

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

The Systems Mindset: Managing the Machinery of Your Life

The Compound Effect

The Art of Exceptional Living

1% Better Video

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement

2 Second Lean

The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer

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