Design for Your Worst Days

Hi friend,

There’s a reason two people can chase the same goal, with the same tools, mindset, and ambition—and end up with completely different outcomes.

It’s not motivation.
It’s not talent.
It’s not even timing.

It’s system design.

We’ve all heard the quote:
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”
– James Clear

But most people stop there.
Let’s go deeper.

A system is not just a habit. It’s your safety net.

When you’re motivated, you don’t need help.
But motivation isn’t permanent.

The real test is when you’re tired, unfocused, distracted, or overwhelmed.
That’s when your system kicks in—or fails completely.

Most people don’t fail because they’re lazy.
They fail because their progress relies on their best self showing up every single day.
And no one can do that. Not even top performers.

If you're building a business, chasing personal growth, or managing a busy life, this matters.

Because the goal isn’t to build for your best days.
It’s to build something that still works on your worst ones.

Let’s look at what that actually means.

A system is anything that reduces thinking, protects your energy, and keeps you moving forward even when you don’t feel like it.

Simple examples:

• A pre-set weekly grocery list so you don’t order takeout every time you’re tired

• A recurring calendar reminder to check in with your clients or leads

• An auto-transfer that saves a percentage of your income before you can touch it

• Keeping your workout clothes next to your bed to remove friction in the morning

• A daily journaling prompt that resets your mind without overthinking

• Using one notebook or app for everything so you’re not hunting down ideas all week

These aren’t hacks. They’re mental scaffolding.
And over time, they save you hundreds of small, costly decisions.

Most people overestimate discipline and underestimate design.

They try to wake up earlier without preparing the night before.
They try to write more without scheduling when they’ll actually do it.
They try to focus while checking their phone every ten minutes.

The truth is, it’s not that they don’t want it enough.
It’s that their system isn’t strong enough to carry them when their energy dips.

And it always dips.

If you want to grow your income, your consistency, your clarity, don’t just aim higher.

Build something that holds you up when you’re not at your best.

Because that’s the version of you that determines your success.
Not the hyped-up, freshly inspired one.

The tired one. The distracted one. The one who almost skipped today.

That’s the one who needs a system.

Until next time,

Lorenc - Founder of Success Skill.