A functioning system is one whose components reliably yield the intended results
I spend a lot of time taking notes. I am a follower of the Zettelkasten method, but my writing output has been minimal. The Zettelkasten is a system to improve thinking and writing, but it doesn’t matter how good the tool is if it never helps produce anything. In starting this blog, my primary goal was to give myself an outlet to express myself, convey my thoughts, and improve my writing. The only way I can achieve this is by publishing my writing, good or bad. This will allow me to receive feedback, informing my writing in the future.
A functioning system is one whose components reliably yield the intended results. And this does not just apply to writing either. People have all kinds of systems: communication, working out, time management, etc. All of these systems are in place to accomplish something.
If your intention is to write a book, and ten notes get you there, then your system is functioning. If you intend to write a book, and ten thousand notes don’t get you there, it’s not a functioning system. In systems theory, the value of an “open system” is determined not by its size or complexity, but by how well it reaches a state of equilibrium, whereby the components regularly yield the intended results. [1]
I have been adding complexity to my writing system, with no impact on my output. In essence, the system isn’t functioning. People’s systems often fail them. Either they are overly complex, or not rigid enough. Mine is perhaps a little of both. I am not seeing the results I would like, so it is time for change. Systems are meant to be dynamic, capable of adapting to changes in demand. I am going to demand more of myself—to see how well I can use the tools at my disposal—and improve at the craft of writing.