Goals vs. Systems — Scott Adams Style
I have been listening to the late, great Scott Adams on Audible, specifically his book 'How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life' the second edition and am fascinated by his thoughts on goals versus systems. And of course, that sent me straight down the podcasting rabbit hole.
What Podcasters Can Steal (and Actually Use)
Scott Adams makes a deceptively simple point: goals are outcomes; systems are behaviors.
Goals motivate, sure. But systems carry you—especially when motivation fades, your calendar explodes, or your guest cancels 12 minutes before you hit record.
For podcasters, that difference matters. The work is repetitive. The wins are delayed. And the “big moments” you chase—downloads, sponsors, and dream guests—are mostly outside your control.
The system is what you can control.
Why Goals Trip Up Podcasters
Goals create an all‑or‑nothing mindset:
“Hit 10,000 downloads.” At 1,200, you feel behind.
“Get sponsors.” No bites this month? Feels like rejection.
“Book bigger guests.” A “no” makes you question your show’s worth.
That’s the danger: goals can turn the process into a scorecard on your value. And podcasting has too many moving parts for that to be fair.
A system flips the question from:
“Did I hit the goal?” → “Did I run the process today?”
That’s how consistency—and momentum—get built.
What a Podcasting System Looks Like
A system is a small, repeatable process that makes progress inevitable.
Not dramatic. Not heroic. Just doable every week.
1) The Publishing System
Purpose: Your show publishes on schedule.
Minimum steps:
Record one episode
Edit (or outsource)
Publish
Create one post + one email (or one social post if you’re keeping it simple)
System rule: Never miss twice.
Miss one week? Fine. Miss two, and your identity shifts from “I have a podcast” to “I used to.” (We call this pod fade!)
2) The Guest Pipeline System
Purpose: Stay booked without the scramble.
Weekly rhythm (30 minutes):
Reach out to 3 potential guests. In my case, I send a Calendly link so they can get on my pre-interview schedule.
Follow up on three past conversations. Since I’m known for interviewing authors, this is often the moment their book lands on my desk. I take a quick photo and send it to the guest, and their booker if they have one, to let them know it arrived. I’ll read it and post reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog before we record.
Confirm 1 recording date
Send 1 prep or “pre‑interview” note
System rule: Pipeline beats panic.
Hosts with a pipeline are calm, consistent, and confident.
3) The Content Repurposing System
Purpose: Turn every episode into ongoing marketing.
Per episode, extract:
3 short quotes
1 “lesson” post (what listeners can apply)
1 question post (invites engagement)
1 short newsletter blurb
System rule: One episode, many assets.
If you only post “New episode is live,” you’re leaving attention on the table.
4) The Improvement System
Purpose: Make your show better—one small tweak at a time.
After every recording, ask:
What worked?
What dragged?
What will I change next time?
Pick one improvement. Apply it next episode. Repeat.
System rule: Small upgrades compound—better intros, cleaner transitions, sharper questions, clearer CTAs.
5) The Relationship System
Purpose: Build a network, not a treadmill.
Weekly actions:
Thank one guest personally
Engage with five posts from past guests or listeners
Introduce one person to another
System rule: Podcasting is relationships wearing headphones.
Translating Goals into Systems
| Goal | System |
|---|---|
| Get more listeners | Publish weekly + repurpose every episode into 5 touchpoints |
| Land sponsors | Keep a sponsor list, send 2 invites weekly, update media kit monthly |
| Book better guests | Maintain outreach rhythm + sharpen positioning + smooth guest process |
| Make the show less stressful | Batch record + use templates + checklist every stage |
The Podcaster’s Systems Scorecard
Stop tracking outcomes. Track actions.
Each week, mark yes/no on these five:
I published (or prepped a publish)
I did guest outreach
I repurposed at least one asset
I made one improvement
I strengthened one relationship
Five boxes. No perfection required—just process.
And the funny part? When you run the system, the goals appear as a side effect.
Overloaded? Start Simple.
The 30‑Minute Weekly System:
10 min — Send 3 guest invites or follow‑ups
10 min — Pull 3 quotes from last episode
10 min — Write one short takeaway post
Do that every week for eight weeks. You’ll feel the difference in rhythm and results.
Wrap‑Up
Goals are fine; they give you direction.
Systems are better; they keep you moving when life gets noisy.
In podcasting, winners aren’t the loudest or most ambitious.
They’re the ones with the calmest, most repeatable systems.
It seems like everyone has a podcast. BUT not everyone has 18 years of experience, and a podcast rated in the Top 1.5% Globally.
Got a podcast question? Good news. In a FREE 15-minute call, I will help you discover:
- What’s working now
- What’s getting in the way
- The one most important next step to improve your show (or your guest strategy)
This is not a full strategy session and there’s no prep homework. It’s a focused call to help you stop spinning and make a smart move.
Want deeper support? We can talk. Either way, you’ll leave with a clear next step.
📌 To schedule your FREE 15-minute call, email me at mail@yourofficeontheweb.com, subject line: “PODCAST STRATEGY CALL” or call me directly toll-free at 888-719-6711.
You can also learn more about my work at: YourPartnerInSuccessRadio.com