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Ever since I came across this concept of focusing on habits/systems instead of goals, I've been confused. Surely we need both?

Ali Abdaal expressed this well in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rkRC728rIU

I wish you all the best in your journey!

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I think the concept is focusing on performing/developing the habits/systems required to achieve longer term goals. Kind of like focusing on what you can do today with what you have on hand for a project rather than focusing on finishing the whole project. For example, a goal under these guidelines might be "lose 10 lbs by July." The goal wouldn't be, "go to the gym 3x per week," or "eat X, Y, Z protein, carbs, and fat grams per meal." Those would be habits/systems to achieve the weight loss goal.

The goal in your example effectively becomes: become a person that is physically fit, dietary conscious. The lose 10lbs is like a side effect.

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