This reminds me a lot of Scott Adam's theory about systems over goals. I've used this in various areas of my life and I'm happy with the results so far.
Conversely, I've often reached goals by accident from a permanent change (ie, system) but rarely have I reached permanent change by reaching a goal. (even when they are spectacular goals).
(got to go back and finish the article now... a note of trivia, I had an inlaw that worked in the same office as Scott, and thought the cartoons were funny. He worked for a phone company in California.)