Peter Senge, author The Fifth Discipline, describes system thinking in several books. He uses it instead of linear thinking to analyze situations. He explains how we can start to see the full system instead just a quick picture of one part of the system.

He says, “Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static ‘snapshots.’”

But this seems to be opposite of the way most of us think. We tend to look for linear relationships of sections of the system rather than the full system. But there is much more value in being able to understand the system. We can start to comprehend the various interconnected aspects that impact that system.

I read an article the other day that talked about the best habits to acquire to be successful. After reading the article I thought the author presented some great, positive habits that would help someone succeed. But they didn’t give any insight into how to actually develop those habits.

For me, this is where systems thinking and linear thinking differ. Linear thinking sees positive habits and identifies why they are valuable. But if you want to further develop those habits in yourself, the linear thinker has a difficult time connecting the “how” part.

But systems thinking aligns with forming habits. Changing habits is leverage to the system thinker. Small changes can be done over and over again until they have a big impact. Leveraging a very small, easy behavior change creates a big future impact.

The systems thinker better understands the various scenarios around that habit. If we want to improve an area by changing the habits around it, the systems thinker can start to see various scenarios where they invoke this thinking. Since habits are automatic, they can then look for ways to interfere with their current habit and inject something new.

By doing this we start to better understand the full system in place. This helps us shift from linear thinking to incorporating systems thinking. The more we do it the more we start to see patterns and interconnected elements that have a great impact.

If you want to gain more of a systematic perspective, take a specific habit that you want to improve. Then look at the various factors that impact or are impacted by this habit. Find crucial ways to interject whenever you start to rely on the existing habit. Next, work to slowly make changes. The key is not to expect instant change. It is to understand the value is that you take a long time and have small changes. Then over time those changes become more and more powerful.

Systems thinking is a great way to gain a more thorough perspective on situations. It helps to shine a light on the patterns and interconnectedness that we often disregard. To shift your perspective, start to learn how to change the habits in your life. This will open up a new way of working through life's challenges.