Can we build perfect systems?

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Holi dear reader,

Have you been dreaming of having perfect systems? Do you imagine a system that you never have to change, or are you dreaming of a future where your needs remain consistent? Have you caught yourself saying “I’m just not a systems kind of person” before? 

I’ve been thinking about the idea of perfection a lot lately. When I started out helping friends and loved ones learn the skill of systems thinking, I realized that so many people, myself included sometimes, assumed you needed one ‘perfect’ system and you’re set. Anyone with ADHD knows that no matter how ‘perfect’ the system is, there will come a disruption that requires you to start from scratch. And while my autism does make me really good at following instructions, modifying them when something changes does not come naturally to me.

Assuming the system will never change just leads to frustration and heartache, and while no system strategist worth their salt will tell you that’s how your systems are meant to be, nobody really explains how that works. How do you build review and adjustments into the system, and how do you center novelty so that you’re not left staring at the ashes of your once perfect system with no idea how to move forward?

Learning this on my own felt like slogging through quicksand, which is why I encourage everyone who wants to build systems to start with Systems Recess: so you have a good base of systems thinking, self compassion, and review before you begin. It’s a chance to start breaking down the actions you can take and begin making small changes, without the pressure of trying to build something completely new.

It’s also why when you do begin focusing on whole systems, we encourage taking the time to design your system outside of any specific tools. Yes, financially, it makes sense to pick a software and stick with it. But as a creative person, as a neurodivergent person, as a human being who will grow and change, it also makes sense to identify your needs and how and why you’re meeting them, so that if when those methods need to change, you have alternatives ready to go.

Over time, I’ve built processes for myself that I can do no matter what tool I’m using. Being able to use paper and pen sometimes and sit down at a computer otherwise meets my need for novelty. I review my own systems and ideas every week during the live session of Systems Recess. I’m constantly working on being kind to myself as my needs and energy levels cycle, and taking notes of how I can adjust the next time. Just knowing that I have a place to start has helped me move from overwhelm into action more times than I can count, and I’m infinitely grateful that I have systems available to me now (and through all the changes I know I’ll move through in the future).

There are so many things changing and going wrong on a global scale right now, and I know my own personal life seems to fall apart way too frequently lately in response. Obviously we hold no individual responsibility for massive structural issues, but embracing systems as one more tool in the coping mechanisms toolbox gives me the space and energy to focus on my values and what is in my control, and I hope this email gives you a starting point to do the same

I’d love to see you next week at Recess, or if you’d like to talk to me personally about how you can build systems that work for you, I’d love to chat.

Restfully and Respectfully yours,

Ela

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