In 2024, my word of the year* (sparked by Ryan Holiday) was systems.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear

This quote is on a post-it by my desk. I keep coming back to it as a reminder for the importance of systems in moving through the world, including how systems can block us from achieving goals.

I approached systems on different levels in 2024. I started with my personal organization. I’ve tried different approaches to task lists and time management. The everything list inevitably led to frustration and overwhelm. Starting with Ugmonk Analog and adding in Smartsheet for all task tracking, I developed a system to manage the cognitive load of numerous projects and activities to follow and to set a reasonable/achievable amount of work for the day (mostly). I integrated into my daily and weekly planning work an iterative reflective practice that has helped me recognize my reactions and responses and to see trends in what I’m experiencing. This in part adopts Cal Newport’s ‘shutdown routine’ (see my post on shutdown practices).

These systems helped me not just spot but act on challenges I’ve long experienced around taking on too much work personally. One new ‘system’ I added was a 24-hour rule for new projects. If it’s an obvious ‘no’, I can say so immediately. But if I’m considering a ‘yes’, then I have to take at least 24 hours to respond. I need to check if I have adequate information to make a decision and consider the impact on my work/life. What will need to change if I say ‘yes’?

I also tended relationships and tried new processes as the system of our institute shifts with changes in leadership and future expectations set by our funder. I started figuring out the levers I have to help me address challenges as they arise, that I don’t have to do it all alone. I worked towards more shared systems for my team, as it grew this year. There’s still space for developing shared practices and systems, but I’m further along than a year ago.

Outside work, I also worked to shore up leadership of a women’s trail running group I co-lead. These voluntary roles can take a lot of energy. Having a team means each of us can step forward or back as life cycles through its seasons and demands.

I continued to fuel my physical training, literally and figuratively. That was my coach, my community, my commitment. They supported me through finishing one of the toughest 100 mile foot races in the United States.

I found that some of my systems were already thriving through routines. Early mornings for yoga—though in 100-mile peak training, sometimes yoga was a 30-minute nap, thanks to learning to listen to the signals of my body systems. A bit of time for reading everyday—culminating in 39 books read. A farm box delivery for half the year to promote consumption of nutritious fresh vegetables from the region. Using Sunday dinners as a time to check in with my partner at the table.

I can always find ways that I fell short. But overall I can see the progress I made on crafting systems that support me. I feel more prepared for the year ahead than I did a year ago.

* I first selected a word/theme for the year in 2018. You can read about the origin of this approach and the first theme here.