Chapter 1: Understanding Systems Thinking

Systems are an integral part of our everyday experiences, from the manufacturing processes in an automotive factory to the intricate functions of our own bodies. Each system consists of inputs and outputs—essentially, what goes in (such as information or materials) and what comes out (the results produced). At their foundation, systems are both straightforward and vital for generating outcomes that can significantly alter our lives.

Consider your mind as a system. The way you perceive the world, or your paradigm, serves as the input for your mental processes. The outcomes you experience daily represent the output. If you don’t adjust this system, you will remain locked in a continuous cycle, as there will be no challenges to disrupt the status quo.

Many claim they desire stability; however, true stability is an illusion. According to the law of vibration, everything is perpetually changing and moving. We are either advancing or regressing. Without the introduction of challenges that compel us to modify our systems, we risk confining ourselves in a self-imposed prison.

Donella Meadows, author of The Limits to Growth and Thinking in Systems: A Primer, discusses twelve leverage points within systems, particularly focusing on the various feedback loops present in our minds. Feedback loops can be categorized into two types: balancing loops and reinforcing loops. Meadows describes reinforcing loops as cycles of feedback that can either promote healthy growth or lead to destructive patterns.

To illustrate, think of a reinforcing loop as akin to a savings account. When you deposit money, you earn interest (feedback) that motivates you to save more, thereby creating a self-sustaining cycle. This is a positive example of how reinforcing loops can foster growth.

Now, consider the opposite scenario: overspending leads to reliance on credit cards. As bills and interest accumulate, financial stress increases, prompting further spending and compounding the issue. A similar dynamic occurs in workplace relationships; positive feedback from a supervisor can elevate an employee's performance, while negative feedback can lead to a downward spiral.

To interrupt this ongoing cycle, you need an element that restores balance—similar to how a thermostat regulates temperature in a home. In the credit card example, a strategy might involve reducing expenses or seeking a raise. The mind continuously strives for balance, but this often results in a return to the original state, which may not align with your goals.

This brings us to a crucial leverage point: the system itself—your mind and its paradigms. These paradigms influence ten of the twelve leverage points Meadows identifies. By changing your thought patterns and paradigms, you can expedite your progress and achieve significant results. Your paradigm dictates how quickly feedback loops activate, determining whether you experience positive growth or disruptive setbacks.

Imagine someone aiming to get fit and lose weight. They have access to the same resources as anyone else, but a person with a positive mindset will likely succeed because they view themselves as deserving of health and fitness. Conversely, an individual with a limiting paradigm may feel unworthy or overwhelmed by the effort required.

When they start exercising and perhaps shed a few pounds, the balancing loop kicks in. This loop, shaped by their paradigm, seeks to revert them to their original state. Before long, they find themselves back on the couch with unhealthy snacks. The paradigm instinctively favors the path of least resistance and resists change.

Buckminster Fuller famously stated, “You’ve got to build a new model that makes the old one obsolete.” This means creating a new paradigm to yield new results. Your feedback loops can reveal the underlying paradigms at play in your thought processes. When do your plans falter? Do you hit the snooze button instead of working out? Why? Lack of motivation? Why? Past failures? Why? Feelings of unhealthiness?

By probing these "why" questions, you can uncover unconscious beliefs that may be hindering your progress. Once you recognize the dynamics of your feedback loops, commit to transforming your paradigm—and seek assistance in this journey. Blind spots are common, and having an external perspective, such as a coach, can facilitate this process.

If you're interested in exploring your blind spots and understanding how your feedback loops function, consider scheduling a conversation with me. Be sure to subscribe to the Rat Race Reboot YouTube channel and listen to our podcast. At Rat Race Reboot, our mission is to help you realize your full potential and foster your growth!

The first video titled Systems Thinking to Design Your Life — Life OS delves into how applying systems thinking can transform your approach to personal growth and development.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Feedback Loops

The second video titled Why Systems Thinking Is So Important explains the critical role that systems thinking plays in achieving meaningful change in our lives.

About the Author

Laura Noel is a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt and a certified coach from the Proctor Gallagher Institute. With over 27 years of experience in personal growth and leadership—having served in the military and mentored by renowned expert Bob Proctor—she is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Laura is passionate about guiding clients to expand their thinking and embrace new possibilities, ultimately leading to happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.