Always Start Simple

People avoid creating systems because systems are complex. Successful people are successful because of the combination of systems they use. When successful people describe systems they use their systems almost always seem complex. So complex, in fact, that it may be overwhelming when considering such a system for you. So rather than attempting to apply the system, you never get around to implementing.

Don't apply the systems that successful people use. Their systems are just that, theirs. Rather than apply their system, simply understand two aspects of their system. First, what is the system's purpose (what result does the system produce)? And second, generally how does it work? Then create your own very simple version of the system. Commit to making periodic improvements to your version of the system until it fully meets your needs.

An example is how to organize daily to-do lists. A very successful person may have a sophisticated prioritized list of to-do items organized by what must be done today and what they would like to accomplish if they can squeeze it in. They may even take those actions that must be done today and schedule them into time slots throughout the day. To track their success, they may record deadlines against when the actions are actually completed.

If you have never had a system like this you will likely fail if you try to duplicate this system. Instead consider simply keeping track on a notepad the actions you must do each day. In a few weeks, you may find that adding colored highlights to the most important actions increases the chances these get done before less important actions. Weeks later you may find a way to implement your system in an electronic format so that you can sort and copy/paste actions.

In a few months you will have what people who don't have a system would call a complex system. It won't be complex to you because it is your system not someone else's. I may take you weeks, months, or even years but always be looking for small ways to improve your systems.