Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets.

That's how systems thinking pioneer Donella Meadows explains why some systems work and others don't. Everything lies in their design.

Per definition, a system conveys the idea of parts placed together and organised to create a cohesive unit.

That's the evergreen meaning ancient Greeks distilled into the notion of a system.

But why do systems matter? They matter because they can bring structure and order. Structure and order can facilitate problem-solving.

Whatever the problem is, you can solve it with systems thinking.

Even more impressive is that after you solve a problem, you can systemize that solution so that other people can also solve it the same way you did.

This concept can be applied to any problem in life and work, from the minuscule to the grand ones. You can't solve problems without a system or create value without systemizing the solutions.

That's fundamental if you want to master your existence on this planet. Life and work (for better or worse) are a series of problems (smaller or greater) you have to solve.

You solve one problem and head to another problem (hopefully a better one). And the cycle goes on.

Without a system, you can't solve most problems (at least sustainably) and systemise the solutions you find to help others do the same.

This is why developing systems thinking is a no-brainer for solopreneurs (current or aspiring). It's essential for two reasons.

1. You can solve the problems that keep you back. For example, an aspiring solopreneur may feel stuck in autopilot mode and never pivot. Or a struggling one-person business owner may feel stuck in an unproductive cycle of work that doesn't help their business grow. They may feel overwhelmed by the many hats they wear and burn out. Those are all real-life problems that need solutions.

2. You can systemise and monetise the solutions you find. For example, you may find a sustainable way to avoid burnout as a solopreneur or grow your business with content marketing, even if you are not a marketer. Those are all practical solutions you can transform into systems and monetise by sharing them with your audience as free marketing content (like lead magnets) or paid products or services (like digital courses, masterclasses, or coaching).

Systems thinking 101

That's a vast topic, but I will unpack its fundamentals to give you an idea of what it's all about and what the essentials are.

Systems thinking is a holistic approach that helps you understand and analyse complex systems (i.e. everything in life or work).

Focusing on their interrelationships is critical rather than viewing them in isolation. That's the core of this framework, which has three main aspects (you should always keep this in mind):

• Holistic. Every system is a whole. Unlike traditional analysis methods, systems thinking views systems as interconnected components whose interrelationships you cannot identify if viewed in isolation. Changes in one part can affect others.

• Long-term. Systems are complex, and the interrelationships between their components are not static but dynamic. They change over time. You need to understand the role of time in the evolution of the interrelationships between the systems components. How have those relationships changed compared to the past? What are the implications or future consequences of how the parts are (or should be connected) today? You need to analyse the past and project to the future.

• Feedback-based. Feedback loops (more on that further below) can help stabilise the system and maintain equilibrium or reinforce the system and amplify the changes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective solutions to problems and creating systems that work.

Speaking of systems that work (helping others solve the same problem effectively), here are their three main characteristics:

• Clear. They must include very clearly defined steps, tasks, and execution guidelines, with no ambiguity that leaves room for personal (subjective) interpretation (and different paths of action that can jeopardise reaching the desired result you aimed for in the first place). For example, if your content marketing system is poorly structured and not specific enough, others will struggle to follow it and reach breakthroughs.

• Replicable. Others (other than the systems' creators) must be able to follow the systems and reach the same results. Clearly defined problems demand specific results. If the latter differ every time the systems are executed, the systems don't work. For example, if your system promises to help solopreneurs avoid burnout, it has to deliver on precisely that - no burnout.

• Scalable. A system is scalable when it can expand to more people (to help them solve problems) and adapt to slightly different conditions or changing circumstances. For example, you create a system to help introverted professionals change their mindset and grow without losing themselves in a primarily extroverted world (and business environment). That system must be able to adjust and match the needs of introverted entrepreneurs or solopreneurs, too. It must also be able to work effectively in the foreseeable future as the nature of work and business changes over time.

You've now learned the fundamentals of systems thinking. If you want to dive deeper into it, "Thinking in Systems" by Donella H. Meadows is the best book to start from.

Let's get to the juice: How to solve a problem and systemise its solution.

It's a 7+1 step process that can be applied to any problem, area of life, or work.

How to create a system that works in 7+1 steps

Before elaborating on the steps, let me clarify this: This process can solve any problem and create a system to monetise that solution. You can also use it only to solve one of your life's or work's major pain points. That also works fine.

However, the future of business and the new creator economy have paved the way for new growth opportunities simply by harnessing the power of monetised systems that help people solve problems sustainably.

We are moving fast toward a market where anyone can monetise any system they create that solves problems effectively and sustainably. So, consider applying that process to a problem you solved yourself and exploring whether and how you can monetise it (regardless of whether you are an employee, entrepreneur, or one-person business owner).

Step 1 - Identify the problem with clarity.

A Root Cause Analysis is one of the steps in systemising a solution to a problem.

Here are the 4 critical steps for identifying the root cause of your autopilot mode with clarity.

1/ Identify the symptoms. At this stage, don't go deep. Gather any initial information about what is happening in your life and work. Be specific as to what precisely the problem is (=what is happening and its consequences)

2/ Gather more information. Go deeper and collect comprehensive information about the events or habits taking place and their timeline (when they happen and how frequently).

3/ Determine possible causal factors. Deconstruct and analyze the timeline of step 2 and identify where things start going wrong. Explore the relationships between events or habits in detail.

4/ Identify the root cause. To get to the core of the problem, use one of the two frameworks below.

• 5 Why's (ask why 5 times to uncover hidden layers of causality until you reach the core, much like peeling an onion)

• Fishbone diagram (explore possible causes in the following 4 areas: people (other or yourself), resources, processes, environment)

Step 2 - Develop and document the solution.

After determining the problem's root cause(s), develop a solution you believe works and document the process.

That includes the 5 W's framework, which helps you ensure all aspects of the solution are well documented:

• Who is responsible for what

• What resources are needed

• Where do the tasks need to take place

• When do the tasks need to take place (both in terms of timing and frequency)

• How each task must be executed.

Regarding the latter, you may have to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detailing how each task must be performed. I often develop SOPs when I outsource tasks.

For example, I've made an SOP about house cleaning (so whoever steps in to do it knows exactly what is expected).

I also created an SOP when I started working with my assistant so she knows precisely how each piece of content for my clients' social media should be published.

Step 3 - Standardise the process.

The focus here is on two main aspects: repetitive tasks and clear guidelines.

To standardise the process, you must ensure that the solution/system includes a list of repetitive tasks, i.e., repetitive actions or patterns of action that contribute to the end result (or to the process that leads to the desired end result).

Make them as simple as possible, removing unnecessary details or steps to ease the friction and create traction. If you can automate parts of the tasks or whole tasks, that's even better.

Let me clarify this: repetitive does not mean boring or mundane; it means easy and simple to execute to create healthy habits.

For that to happen smoothly, people need clear guidelines about the repetitive tasks they are asked to execute. They need to know the DOs and DONTs, what they need to do, how, and why. Without clear guidelines, the system's tasks lose effectiveness, as people may execute them however they believe is correct. That always leads to skewed results. Clear guidelines boost consistency.

Step 4 - Test and iterate.

You have already developed and standardised a solution using the first three steps. The next step is to test that system.

You should already know that it works in your case. You have probably tested it multiple times on different occasions.

Now, you must test it on a small scale to verify its effectiveness with others. Can the same system produce the same desired result when executed by others?

That process is very similar to the scientific method. Scientists first discover something new, then try to repeat it to verify that it works the same every single time, and lastly, check if it's replicable, meaning other scientists can confirm that it works and produces precisely the same results.

It's like testing a new twist in a recipe for a sponge cake (or any other dish or dessert). You implement the change once and see if it improves the taste, texture or consistency. You implement the exact change again and again and confirm that the end - result is the same. Then, you give that new recipe with the twist to your mom and friends and expect them to verify that your hack also works for them.

With every test and iteration, you gather feedback, which you use to adjust and refine the system.

Step 5 - Automate if you can as much as you can.

I've talked about automation before, but this step here is the right time to automate full-scale (if and what). Let me explain.

Now that your solution and/or system works, you must automate the process or parts of it. The goal is to remove as much manual labour and effort as possible to make the system effective regarding the end result and the tasks and processes themselves.

The more you automate, the higher the chances that those who use the system (including you) will continue to use it. You can't implement solutions or build new healthy habits if they are complex and time/energy-consuming.

It's all about the best use of one's finite resources (time, energy, focus, attention).

When creating solution-based systems, automation is indeed a force of transformation, as it allows you to streamline the process and ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Step 6 - Structure the training.

This step may not make much sense now, but let me explain. Whether the end user is you (as you solve a problem and systemise its solution) or others (who will use your system to solve the same problem), you need some sort of training in place.

The goal of the training is double:

• to explain how to follow the instructions (that you provided about executing the tasks or steps of the system)

• to highlight the importance of following the instructions and executing the tasks or steps.

Put simply, you must explain that execution must take place smoothly by following the rules laid out in the system without deviations or personal interpretations (hence the importance of good documentation and standardisation) if they want to reach the desired end result.

That's also a time to remind yourself and others of the great Why; why they are where they are and why they need to take the proper action to solve the problem with the system at hand.

So, in the context of systems for solving problems in life and work (not so production or technological issues), training is more about reinforcing the main message and transformation through the system to secure buy-in and adherence.

Step 7 - Measure and evaluate.

No system is complete with built-in mechanisms for measuring and evaluating it.

If you don't measure, you don't have data. No data means no insights, and no insights means the inability to evaluate whether the system reached the goal or not.

As you reapply the system yourself (perhaps in another area of life or work, to solve a similar problem) or as more people use the system to reach the desired breakthrough, you need to ensure you collect data about:

• performance (Does it deliver on its promise? To what degree?)

• satisfaction (Are the users happy with the system? Does it meet their expectations?)

• issues or problems (Does the application go smoothly? Are there any hiccups? If yes, where and when do they occur? Are they critical for the system's effectiveness?)

BONUS Step (hence the 7+1) - Feedback loops.

If you follow steps 1- 7, you have a running system. But no system (especially complex ones involving life or work problems) is complete and serves its purpose without feedback loops.

As the words suggest, it's about loops or cycles of feedback (positive or negative) that either amplify changes and grow the system or counteract changes and stabilise it.

Both types are necessary and can be found in almost any system. It's about circular causality. You do something that creates either positive or negative ripple effects in the system as a whole (often in the same part).

Combining positive and negative feedback loops makes the systems even more dynamic, as no loop occurs in isolation. It's very common to observe multiple loops coincide, often creating chaotic behaviours. That's why examining the connections and relationships between loops is crucial.

Let me give a few examples.

Climate change is a positive feedback loop (ironically, we call it positive in the context of systems). As ice melts, less sunlight is reflected back into space, causing the Earth's surface to absorb more heat, leading to more ice melt. In this example, an output (ice melt) also affects the input (more sunlight = more heat = more ice melt).

A negative feedback loop is homeostasis in biology. When our body temperature rises, it triggers mechanisms to cool it down (namely, sweating). This tries to stabilise the system and maintain equilibrium. In this example, output (higher temperature) also affects input but reversely compared to climate change above (more sweat to drop the temperature).

Two more examples of feedback loops from the perspective of self-development.

They both relate to our behaviour while trying to reach our goals.

When we set a small, achievable goal and accomplish it, our confidence and sense of ability are boosted. As a result, we feel more confident that we can achieve bigger goals and challenges. The more we level up and achieve, the higher the goals we set and the more confident we become in our abilities.

Conversely, negative thoughts and self-talk (fueled by past trauma or fear) increase our anxiety and self-doubt. The less confident we become, the more opportunities for experience or growth we avoid, leading to less evidence that we can achieve things. That reinforces the negative thoughts and self-talk.

A real-life example

By now, you should know the steps to follow to solve a problem and systemise the solution. It may be a bit theoretical, so let's give a 100% practical example.

Let me demonstrate how you could use this 7+1 step process to solve real-life problems as a current or aspiring solopreneur.

Note that there's no one-size-fits-all, and some aspects of the problem/solution below may differ in your case. The example below is what that means: an example (not a ready-made solution for everyone in terms of end result).

Problem: struggling with content marketing as a solopreneur.

Your content marketing efforts don't pay off. You struggle to create and publish content, and the results are poor when you do. First, use a root cause analysis to get to the core of the problem.

If you use the 5 Why's framework (see further above), you may unveil that the leading cause is not being organised and structured enough and not having a system for your content marketing.

You decide to craft a simple system to guide your content marketing with a content strategy (why you do it, how, to whom), a plan (what content pillars, topics and subtopics you will write about, which channels to use, a simple content/sales funnel), and a monthly schedule (when to post which post and in which format).

By doing that, you've already documented the solution (remember the 5 Ws). Now, standardise the simple system you created by writing down the operating procedures, i.e. how you execute each part of your content system).

Put it into practice for one month and measure the results. Repeat for another month. Measure and assess the results. That's small-scale testing. If you want to monetize that system, test it with a few fellow solopreneurs. Gather the feedback and adjust it as necessary. If you can, automate some parts, i.e. content publishing with a tool like Buffer.

Train yourself or others to follow the instructions and make your content marketing work. Keep in mind why you do it and which problem you solve. The more this system is executed (by you or others), the more data you can collect to ensure high performance and satisfaction (that it actually solves the initial struggle with content marketing).

Check for weak points or issues and fix them (e.g., a daily content plan makes it very bureaucratic, so shift to a weekly plan and daily checkpoints). Your system is working and is live and kicking.

Remember to check for feedback loops in your system regularly (every three months or so). Perhaps you identify a negative loop. For example, the more you strategize and plan your content, the more time you lose from actual content creation. Take appropriate action and fix it.

Or perhaps you observe that the more consistent your content becomes, the better the results (reach and engagement), so that makes you even more dedicated to consistent content creation to maximise that effect.

Wrapping up!

Life and work are full of problems, whether small or great. Being a solopreneur or wanting to become one is a rollercoaster experience.

Finding solutions (one problem at a time) and systemising them to help yourself and others (by sharing the system for free or as a product) is a sustainable path toward growth and evolution.

The process above is straightforward enough to help you do it without losing time or energy trying to find solutions to problems without structure and order.

It also provides a simple yet effective framework for creating systems and then monetising them as products (courses or coaching services).

Remember the three essentials for systems thinking: holistic, long-term, and feedback-based. You’re good to go!

What’s next?

Your next step is to decide on one big problem you face (in life or work) and use the system above to solve and systemise it.

• If you are not a solopreneur yet but feel stuck at a 9-5 job, pivot and smoothly create your one-person business. Read again how I started and prepare yourself to make the leap. It’s worth it.

• If you are already a solopreneur but struggle to make it work, focus on what matters most and accept that setbacks and failures are part of the game. Read the 21 steps again to see how many ups and downs I registered, and keep doing what you have to do. Consistency and patience pay off.

• If you are more inclined toward the introverted side of the spectrum and wonder if solopreneurship is for you or whether you have what it takes (or not), stay assured that your introversion is no obstacle. I can verify that as I am an introvert myself. You just have to do things differently and use your introversion as a superpower (rather than a flaw).

You can live a life on your own terms. Creating a one-person business is an excellent opportunity to do that. It’s freedom. It’s also a challenge, but that doesn’t really matter. It’s about creating and solving your and not others’ problems. And the payoff comes directly to you. 100%.

If you need support navigating the transition and journey, let me help. DM me on LinkedIn and let’s explore how Mindset Coaching can help you move forward and claim what you desire and deserve.