Sometimes a “Ridiculous” System is the Best Kind, Let Me Tell You About One of Mine
Most systems fail because they’re built for someone else’s life/business. I see this with clients all the time, and I’ve lived it too. Here’s a personal example of how I finally stopped “should-ing” and created something that works.
The Habit I Couldn’t Make Stick
For years, I tried to drink a healthy amount of water for my body. (100 ounces)
And failed. Repeatedly.
What I Tried (and Why It Didn’t Work)
I tried using really large containers, writing down what I had drunk, using iPhone tracking apps, counting glasses, etc. None of those strategies worked.
Looking at the Real Reasons
It took me a long time to come up with something that works for me. I decided to do what I do with my clients and map out the reasons that my attempts had failed.
I learned:
- I won’t log my progress. No idea why. That is not the point. I had proven several times that it was not going to happen.
- I started with one container, but I found that I’d lose track of time and forget if I had refilled it.
- I drink more water, faster, if it is warm (like tea temperature).
- I do not want to get up throughout the day to warm up water.
- I needed a solution that would allow me to easily take my water with me when I’m on the move.
- Visual cues are helpful for me.
Mapping What Actually Works for Me
I had 2, 20-ounce thermoses. They work well in maintaining the temperature of my water, but they did not address the other aspects I had noted.
- What if I bought enough to reach my daily goal?
- Five 20-ounce thermoses would help me reach my 100-ounce goal.
- But what a ridiculous purchase!
- I should be able to do this without doing that.
Then I got honest with myself. I had months of data proving that I was not going to alter my behavior or preferences.
The “Ridiculous” Solution That Finally Worked
The thermoses were purchased.
- I fill them at night, right before bed, and take one to my nightstand. (They hold the temperature all night and throughout the next day.)
- I start drinking water when I wake up.
- By having them ready to go, I don’t procrastinate. And they are easy to take with me if I’m on the go.
- By having 5 thermoses, I know where I need to be (with empties) at any given point of the day. For example, right now I have 3 empty (60 drank) and 1.5 full (about 30 ish to go).
A Quiet But Important Win
I started this process on June 11th. I have successfully drank 100 ounces (and sometimes more) every day since I started this “ridiculous” system. That's 28 days straight of successfully completing my goal after months of failure.
What This Teaches Us About Systems That Stick
Remember, it is not ridiculous if it works.
Behavior doesn’t change because we want it to.
It changes when we understand ourselves enough to build systems that honor our real patterns.
The next time you think, “I should be able to do this without help,” pause.
What if ease, not effort, was the smarter measure?
What if the right system feels like relief?
Catalyst Questions
Awareness & Self-Honesty
What’s one habit or routine I’ve been trying to build that just hasn’t stuck,
no matter how much I want it to?
What methods or systems have I already tried?
Why do I think they didn’t work for me?
What assumptions have I made about what “should” work?
Where did those ideas come from (social media, mentors, culture, etc.)?
Patterns & Preferences
When I look closely, what do I already know about how I naturally operate
(e.g., sensory preferences, energy patterns, motivation rhythms)?
What kinds of tools, environments, or cues help me feel at ease, focused, or consistent?
What do I resist doing even though it “makes sense” on paper? Why?
Reframing “Ridiculous”
What’s one solution I’ve dismissed as “ridiculous” or “too much”…
but that might actually work beautifully for me?
How would it feel to stop trying to change myself and start building around what’s already true?
Where in my life am I currently choosing struggle over simplicity because
I think I “should” be able to do it the hard way?
Designing a System That Honors You
What would it look like to design a system around how I really work, not how I wish I worked?
What’s one small experiment I could try this week to support a habit
using my actual preferences and patterns?
What does “ease” mean to me right now? Where can I invite more of it in?
Integration & Letting Go of Shame
What would change if I let go of the belief that ease = laziness?
Where have I been silently judging myself for needing more support or structure?
How can I remind myself that what works for me doesn’t need to look impressive to anyone else?
Want More on This Topic?
Read: Are Your Systems Giving You Freedom or Holding You Back?
Read: How to Use the DART System to Get Through Your Paper Piles
Read: Simple Things You Can Delegate to Save Hours in Your Day
Read: Time Management and Your Purpose-Driven Life
To your easy and joyful success!
Stephanie
P.S. Let this settle and notice what is true for you. Every moment offers the opportunity to create the life you want with grace, ease, and joy. Let me know when you’re ready to explore possible next steps.
Connect with Stephanie
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS POST DOES NOT CONSTITUTE BUSINESS ADVICE. NO RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING ADVISOR/CLIENT, HAS BEEN FORMED AS A RESULT OF THIS POST.
