The Anchored Entrepreneur

As Motivation Wanes, Systems Remain

Motivation Minimized

How do you handle the unexpected? Or, in my case, how do you handle the expected taking a greater toll than anticipated?

As I shared in my last post, the year began with unwanted rest, and as we moved into February, life threw more disruptions our way. For months, we had been planning and preparing for my wife’s surgery, a necessary procedure to relieve a longstanding health burden. It wasn’t life-threatening, but it was significant. Finally, the surgery was scheduled for early February.

In the week leading up to it, my motivation and focus took a hit. Past experiences heightened my fear and anxiety about the outcome, making it difficult to concentrate. I fought to maintain productivity, but willpower alone wasn’t enough. The only reason I got things done was because I had systems in place. I had pre-scheduled meetings, automated processes, and accountability structures that ensured follow-through.

Now, as my wife recovers, I still find myself struggling to get back to normal. I was wildly unrealistic about my expectations for myself this month. Too many nights without sleep and taking on additional responsibilities at home have hindered my focus on work. Despite my compromised state, my systems have ensured that my business continues to move forward.

This season has reinforced a simple but powerful truth: when motivation wanes, systems remain.

Significance of Systems

"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." — James Clear, Atomic Habits

It’s easy to get work done when everything is going right. But that’s not the norm. One bad night’s sleep can derail your motivation for the day. Since motivation is temporary, how do we ensure consistent progress? The answer lies in our systems.

What Is a System?

A system is a process that ensures an action gets done. Effective systems provide clarity on what needs to happen and accountability to follow through.

One of the most common examples of a system is through automation or technology. These tools create built-in accountability and follow specific rules to ensure tasks are completed. Beyond efficiency, well-designed systems help eliminate manual, repetitive work, allowing you to focus on higher-value tasks.

Systems Prevent Bottlenecks

A strong system removes dependency on any one person, keeping business operations running smoothly. Without systems, motivation, memory, and willpower become the foundation of our business operations, which is a risky foundation at best. Even at our best, we can be inefficient, forget steps, or create bottlenecks that slow things down. When we’re not at our best, our businesses can grind to a halt.

God is the Ultimate System Maker

When God created the universe, He did so with order. He designed systems and rules that sustain life, keeping the sun rising each morning and setting each evening.

God also established order and systems for humanity. In the Garden of Eden, Adam’s first tasks were to tend the garden and name the animals. From the very beginning, God invited man into His design, using systems to cultivate and steward creation. If God built the universe through systems, we can follow His lead in building our lives with structure and purpose.

Even before the fall, God was establishing a system for our salvation. He sent the perfect sacrifice, Jesus, to pay for our sins. His redemptive system ensures that we can have a relationship with Him, not just now but for eternity.

This truth gives me faith and trust in Him. No matter the trials or struggles I face, I can rest in knowing that God is bigger than all of it. He orchestrates the symphony of life. He designed the world into being. He appoints nature to move. He brings the rain.

And because His system never fails, I can have hope.

New PDF: Evaluating Your Business Systems

We know that systems are the key to building a successful, sustainable business. But how do you determine which areas of your business need better systems?

Through my own experiences this year and seeing many of my clients face similar challenges, I’ve put together a simple business system evaluation to help.

You will use a simple scoring method to evaluate your systems by business area including:

• Significance – How important is this system

• Effectiveness – How well your system is working

• Ease of Implementation – How simple or difficult your system is to improve

• Rank your greatest opportunities to improve – What areas of your business should you focus on

This quick assessment will identify areas in your business that need better systems, help you prioritize what to focus on first, and guide you through establishing new systems.

🔽 Download the PDF below and start evaluating your systems!

Update on The 40 Day Pray for Rain

Last month, I introduced The 40 Day Pray for Rain, and the response was incredible! Many of you shared that you’ve started your own prayer journey using the guide, and I’d love to hear how it’s going.

What have you learned so far? What observations have you noticed as you pray?

If you haven’t had a chance to explore it, check out The 40 Day Pray for Rain to learn more about this powerful exercise.

Final Thoughts

This year has been marked by disruption and preparation. Though my plans haven’t unfolded as expected, I can already see how God is using these disruptions to prepare me for what’s ahead. He has taken breaks in my routine and turned them into inspiration, leading me to create unique resources for Christian entrepreneurs. And I have a feeling He’s not done yet.

While I have plans for what I’ll create next, I’m staying open to whatever God has in store.

As you continue to build your business, if you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d love to walk alongside you on your journey.

May you be Anchored in Christ,
Jacob Dyke