Three Lessons from a Lunch Bag: Why Systems, Not Goals, Shape Your Success

We’ve all set goals—big, ambitious, inspiring goals. We’ve vowed to get healthier, be more

productive, improve our finances, or finally get organized. But if goals were all it took to be

successful, we’d all be thriving.

Yet, research tells us otherwise. Only 8% of people achieve their New Year's resolutions. Even among those who take the extra step of writing their goals down—a rare 3% of people—most

still fall short.

Why?

Because we do not rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems.

James Clear captured this truth perfectly in Atomic Habits. And I’ve seen it play out in my own

life. Every time I change something for the better, it isn’t because of a goal but because I have

built a system.

And sometimes, that system started with something as simple as a lunch bag.

Defining the Basics: Goals vs. Systems

Before we go deeper, let’s get really granular—because sometimes, we struggle to even

express what we want.

What is a Goal?

A goal is an outcome you want to achieve. It’s the destination.

We’ve all set goals like:

● I want to lose 20 pounds.

● I want to be more productive.

● I want to save more money.

● I want to be a better leader.

Sounds great, right? But goals don’t come with instructions. They are abstract, detached from

the daily actions required to make them happen.

What is a System?

A system is the process that leads to the outcome. It’s the vehicle that gets you to your goal.

Let’s say your goal is to lose 20 pounds.

A system would be:

● Prepping healthy meals every Sunday.

● Packing a lunch every day instead of grabbing takeout.

● Scheduling workouts three times a week.

● Drinking water before every meal.

See the difference?

A goal is what you want. A system is how you get there.

Lesson #1: The Lunch Bag System (How a Simple Change Changed Everything)

I had been trying to eat healthier for years. But my reality? Grabbing something on the run or

ordering lunch to be delivered to my office.

Then, I had a revelation one day.

I prepared my daughter's school lunch each morning. My system operated automatically and

effortlessly and was a component of my daily schedule. I felt an assembly line worker, almost

mindlessly packing the items (warm lunch, fruit/vegetable, snacks, and water/juice)

Thus, I questioned myself:

Why don't I also pack a lunch for myself?

I bought a lunch bag—a straightforward investment. But that small change created a system:

● I packed a meal 95% of the time.

● I made better food choices.

● I saved money.

Suddenly, my goal wasn’t some vague desire floating in my mind. It was built into my daily

actions.

Lesson #2: The Coffee Shop Routine (How Systems Sneak Up on You)

Here’s the thing about systems: we already have them, whether we realize it or not.

Take my morning tea routine.

I used to stop at my favourite Canadian coffee shop every morning. The staff knew my order

before I even said a word, and they even anticipated my preferred straw (I’m not a big fan of

coffee-stained teeth).

I didn’t set a goal to visit that shop daily—it just became part of my routine. A system built

unconsciously.

When my naturopath suggested I cut back on caffeine, I had to rewire that system.

So, I bought a thermos. Now, I brew my tea at home. No more unnecessary stops. No more

mindless spending. And guess what? That simple change stuck.

Lesson #3: The Organized Pantry (How Systems Make Life Effortless)

For years, my pantry was a mess. Finding snacks felt like digging through a pile of random stuff.

Then, I moved into a place with a walk-in pantry. It was the perfect chance to get everything in

order.

Now, packing lunches is a breeze:

● I grab snacks from their spot.

● Pick out some fresh fruit.

● Heat up what I’ve already prepped.

● And I’m done.

Lunches went from being a hassle to just easy. Having a sound system makes all the

difference. It’s all about making the right choices, the simplest ones.

Why Leaders (and Everyone Else) Need Systems, Too

This isn’t just about lunch bags and tea thermoses. It’s about leadership, business, and

success.

The best leaders don’t just set team goals but create systems ensuring success.

A Good System Can Solve Almost Any Problem

● Struggling with time management? Create a daily planning system.

● Overwhelmed by emails? Set up an email triage system.

● Want better teamwork? Implement regular feedback loops.

Leaders who struggle the most often set goals but don’t build the systems to achieve them.

How to Build a System That Works for You

If you’ve been setting the same goal year after year, here’s how to break the cycle:

1. Get Rid of the Abstract—Be Specific

Saying “I want to be more productive” is meaningless. Instead, try:

● “I will set a 90-minute focus block every morning.”

● “I will review my to-do list at 7 AM and prioritize three key tasks.”

2. Attach It to Something You Already Do

I started packing my lunch because I was already packing my daughter’s lunch. This is

called habit stacking—pairing a new habit with an existing one.

3. Make Good Choices Automatic

● Lay out your gym clothes the night before.

● Put your phone in another room when you sleep.

● Keep a water bottle at your desk.

Set up your environment so that the right decision is the easiest one.

4. Don’t Chase Motivation—Chase Consistency

Motivation is fleeting. Systems are reliable. Instead of relying on willpower, rely on routine.

5. Track What Matters (But Don’t Obsess Over Perfection)

The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be consistent. Missing a day doesn’t matter. Missing five

days in a row does.

Your System Determines Your Success

Here’s the truth:

You'll keep spinning your wheels if you don’t have a system that makes your goals inevitable.

So, ask yourself:

● Do I have a system that ensures I follow through?

● Am I making success easy or hard for myself?

● Where can I tweak my routine to make progress automatic?

Because once you get your system right, you won’t have to force yourself to achieve your goals.

They’ll just happen.

Now tell me—what’s one system you can implement today? Drop a comment below!

— Dr. Tomi Mitchelll