5 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself to Clarify Your Strategic Thinking
THINKING has always been one of my favorite topics of conversation, and in the current environment of massive regurgitation of Pap, thinking of any kind seems to become a diminishing skill set.
Are you feeling a bit confused by strategic thinking?
What is Strategic Thinking?
According to currently accepted analysis, strategic thinking is an ability to plan for the future. It’s the capacity to prepare strategies and conjure ideas that will both cope with changing environments and consider the various challenges that lie ahead.
Those who have or are mastering Strategic Thinking
- Embrace the Future and New Possibilities. …
- They Take Risks. …
- They don’t Accept the Status Quo. …
- They’re Voracious Learners. …
- Strategic Thinkers are Willing to Adapt. …
- They Understand Delayed Gratification. …
- They Work Effectively, Instead of Just Being Busy.
You know it’s essential for your career and your business, but how do you actually do it?
Here are five questions to should ask yourself to really sharpen your strategic thinking.
- What do you want?
The most important thing to work out is where you want to be. Everything—goals, strategies, steps, should all be pointing to your desired destination. Do you want to be CEO, or be running your own company?
What do you want to achieve this year, in five years, ten? What are your actual goals? What’s your vision? Get it all down on paper and think big!
- Where are You Starting From?
Do a survey of exactly where you are right now. What skills, resources, and assets do you have? What are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks in your current job or business? Write it Down!
Are you satisfied with life the way it is, or do you want something more? What connections do you have? Map out your network and what value you provide to them, and what they offer you. Write up your self-inventory.
- What do You Have the Power to Change?
Think about what is in your control at the present moment. What can you streamline or eliminate? What do you need to add, enhance, or modify to reach your goals? This can include anything from training, networking opportunities, investment advice, or strategic career planning.
- What do You Need to Move Ahead?
Take another look at your self-inventory. What skills, resources, knowledge, and connections do you need to get closer to success? If this is difficult or overwhelming, consider finding a mentor or life coach who can help you find your way.
- How Can I Reach My Goals and Still Enjoy Life?
Really going for success shouldn’t make for a joyless life, totally focused on getting ahead. Make sure you take time to have fun and do the things that give you pleasure. Think of what Future Successful You enjoys doing. What makes your future worth striving for?
Write down all the fun things you will do, whether it’s staying in 5-star hotels or being able to work for only half the year. Imagine driving your dream car. See yourself in your future executive suite.
See what elements of your future life you can start to incorporate in the present and build on those. Before you know it, you will be toasting your success!
Here is another article with a more in-depth discussion about Strategic Thinking:
Be sure to share your experiences or methods being used
Well done article. … For someone who knows they need a new approach. … There’s valuable ammo here.
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