Beyond A to B: How Everyday Moments Become Powerful with Systems Thinking

 

Have you ever finished a good book and felt a surge of inspiration to see the world differently? That's exactly what happened to me after reading Steven Schuster's book "The Art of Thinking in Systems." It opened my eyes to the limitations of linear thinking (point A to point B) and the exciting possibilities of lateral thinking (out-of-the-box solutions). But what truly captured my imagination was the concept of Systems Thinking. 

Although I have studied this concept of Systems Thinking as a part of my thesis, I was always looking at the macro picture of how system thinking can be applied to organisations and to running of teams and learning processes. In the rumination I did over these years on Systems Thinking, I hardly thought of how it can be applied to thinking day to day and putting on meaning to how are thoughts can be well structured. The organisation of thoughts as systems at play, can definitely change the way we view the world and the way are minds work. We can take an amazing amount of information under our purview if we think systematically. 

The book explores how systems thinking views the world as a web of interconnected parts. It's not just about the individual elements, but how they interact and influence each other. This shift in perspective got me thinking: how can we leverage systems thinking in our everyday lives, even for the most mundane tasks?

Imagine making breakfast. Traditionally, you might grab ingredients, cook, and eat. But with systems thinking, you consider the bigger picture. Where did the ingredients come from? What's the environmental impact? Could you plan meals to minimize waste? Suddenly, a simple breakfast becomes part of a larger food system you can influence.

Think about your morning commute. Think beyond just getting from point A to point B. Consider the traffic system as a whole. Could you carpool, bike, or use public transportation to reduce congestion and your carbon footprint? Perhaps planning your route for traffic flow or considering alternative work schedules could optimize the entire system for everyone involved. 

What about your to-do list? Don't just view tasks in isolation. Think about how they connect. Can you batch similar errands to save time and fuel? Could prioritizing certain tasks free up time for others, creating a more efficient workflow? By viewing your to-do list as a system, you can find ways to optimize your entire day.

That's the beauty of systems thinking. It empowers us to see beyond the immediate and consider the ripple effects of our actions. It doesn't require grand gestures, just a willingness to think holistically. So, the next time you go about your day, take a moment to consider the systems at play. You might be surprised by the newfound meaning and purpose you discover in everyday moments. Make your routine moments more impactful.