As the New Year begins, many of us reflect on the past and plan for the future. But here’s a question worth pondering: Should you set lofty New Year’s resolutions or focus on creating systems that lead to success? The difference may surprise you.

“To be or not to be” is a very good question. To set a goal for New Year’s or not is another good question. Are you a New Year’s resolution kind of person?

Let’s dive into the philosophy behind achieving your goals and explore actionable steps to help you create a home environment that supports your best self.

The Resolution Dilemma

Every January, millions set resolutions to lose weight, save money, or get organized. Yet studies show that most resolutions fail by February. Why? Because setting a goal without a sustainable plan is like embarking on a journey without a map.

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, argues that success doesn’t come from the goals we set but from the systems we build. He writes: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." This made me think about how often we chase perfection, especially in our homes and lives, without appreciating the peace we might already have. What if success isn’t about doing everything perfectly but about finding joy in the journey?

There’s a humorous animation I follow on Instagram named @Itslennie: a ‘lil humorous, philosophical, and endearing blob who encapsulates this concept beautifully. Lennie, the blob, posed a question that has lingered in my mind: What if productivity isn’t the ultimate goal? What if success means finding peace with what makes you happy, right where you are? For me, this perspective is liberating—it invites us to embrace progress over perfection and trust the systems we create to guide us forward.

Why Systems Outperform Goals

A goal is an endpoint, such as losing 10 pounds or decluttering your home. While it provides direction, it doesn’t address how to get there. A system, on the other hand, focuses on the daily habits and processes that lead to the desired outcome.

For example:

• Goal: Have an organized home.
• System: Spend 15 minutes each day tidying up one area, sort items into "keep," "donate," and "discard," and implement storage solutions that fit your lifestyle.

Systems are actionable, repeatable, and adaptable, ensuring progress even when motivation wanes. They also shift the focus from perfection to continuous improvement, reducing stress and promoting long-term success.

How to Create Systems That Work

1. Start Small

• Break large tasks into manageable chunks. For instance, instead of organizing your entire house, begin with one drawer or shelf.
• Use the "two-minute rule": If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Small wins build momentum.

2. Establish Daily Habits

• Tie new habits to existing routines. For example, after brewing your morning coffee, spend five minutes tidying up the countertop or sorting mail.
• Make habits easy to start by preparing tools and materials in advance.

3. Automate When Possible

• Use tools like calendar reminders or apps to schedule tasks. Automating repetitive chores saves mental energy.
• Implement organizing systems such as labeled bins or digital filing systems to reduce decision fatigue.

4. Evaluate and Adjust

• Regularly review your systems to see what works and what doesn’t. Be open to tweaking processes to fit your needs better.

5. Celebrate Progress

• Acknowledge small achievements. Positive reinforcement motivates consistency. Do this, especially when others in the household are involved. Offering them a reward for a job well done helps build momentum and acknowledges their effort. 

So, How Do You Approach Living Well in Your Home?

Your home is not just a space; it’s your support system. Rather than striving for a picture-perfect house, focus on creating a functional environment that meets your basic needs and uplifts your spirit.

To live well in your home without being a perfectionist or stressing over little things, you may need to approach it differently from how you work. With regards to the environment that you live in, keep in focus some basic needs that your home should provide to support your best self:

• Shelter: Protection from external elements like weather (warmth, coolness, rain, or snow).
• Functionality: Spaces that support daily activities like cooking, hygiene, and sleep.
• Sustenance: A kitchen equipped for food preparation.
• Hygiene: A functional and clean bathroom.
• Sanctuary: An environment that inspires relaxation and creativity.
• Spiritual Connection: Spaces that help you connect with yourself and your community.
• Rituals: Areas for habits like self-reflection, learning, or reading.

These needs highlight the balance between productivity and finding peace with where you are in the moment. A home doesn’t need to be perfect; it needs to support the life you want to live.

Steps to Create a Supportive Home Environment

1. Declutter with Purpose

• Start with areas that cause the most frustration.
• Use the "one-year rule": If you haven’t used an item in the past year, consider letting it go.

2. Designate Functional Zones

• Assign specific purposes to areas in your home, such as a workspace free of distractions or a cozy reading nook.
• Use storage solutions like baskets, shelves, and drawers to keep items organized.

3. Involve Your Household

• Communicate the importance of maintaining order and assign tasks to family members.
• Use checklists or reward systems to encourage participation.

4. Maintain Consistency

• Schedule regular tidying sessions to prevent clutter from accumulating.
• Treat organization as a lifestyle or a recoccuring habit rather than a one-time event.

Trust the Process

It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring success by how much we accomplish. But what if success is simply about creating a home and life that make you happy, wherever you are at the moment?" Creating systems for success isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about building trust in yourself and your environment. When you have systems in place, you can:

• Find what you need when you need it.
• Spend less time managing chaos and more time pursuing meaningful activities.
• Foster harmony and collaboration within your household.

By transforming your home into a supportive sanctuary, you’ll create a foundation for achieving your goals and living a more intentional life.

Taking Action: A Professional’s Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider enlisting the help of a professional organizer (like myself, Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing). With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in helping busy individuals create systems that work. Whether you need help decluttering, setting up workflows, or creating a calm and organized space, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion

This year, don’t just set goals—build systems. By focusing on habits and creating an environment that supports your aspirations, you’ll achieve lasting success. Remember, small, consistent steps lead to big changes. Ready to transform your home and life? Let’s start today.

Animation Reference: @itslennie - Instagram