The Power of Strategic Thinking
Almost everything I’ve accomplished has been a result of strategic thinking: positioning myself in opportune moments, aligning with partners who can elevate me, introspecting on my unique perspective, and uncovering what sets me apart, even from AI. The possibilities are endless, and as you grasp this concept, you’ll realize the power of strategic thinking in your own journey.
Strategy is about making informed choices. It doesn’t guarantee perfection but leads to success when we make the right decisions. We can’t always foresee the outcome, but we can chart the best course and adjust as we move forward, ensuring we’re heading in the desired direction. Strategy also comes into play when we realize we’re on the wrong path. Instead of clinging to our ego, we acknowledge the misstep and swiftly change direction, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Strategic thinking does not produce accidents. We do not follow luck or happy circumstances. We put ourselves in positions of luck and precipitous circumstances because we strategically choose to actively move in a particular direction, following particular choices and criteria.
Our strategy is to create a unique, unreproducible product of superior value and deliver it efficiently and successfully. This is all about you. It applies not only to a creative person but to any business (and is not a creative enterprise a business?). We must be unique. What we do must be unreproducible. It must be of superior value. We must deliver it to your end user efficiently and successfully. These are the four tenets upon which we build our strategic success.
Strategy is saying “yes” to some things but also being clever, intelligent, and forward-thinking enough to say “no” to many more. Sometimes, our ego will not allow us to admit we are wrong. Change that. Admit that quickly. At the first sign that the ship is sinking, change plans. Please don’t wait until it is full of water. Sometimes, ego gets in the way, and we can’t admit our errors. Admit them freely. This is the efficient and productive use of strategy. Always also have a backup plan. You have your A choice, then maybe a B, C, and D choice. Go with A. If it starts to sink, switch quickly to B, then perhaps C, and then D. But be willing to promptly say “no” when things aren’t going how you want.
Every person in business – and that includes creatives – needs a strategy. Take away the idea of accidents or luck. None of those apply. It is about preparing yourself, strategizing your direction, and capitalizing on only what you can deliver.
Strategic planning is the cornerstone of success. It’s not just about doing things, but about doing the right things. It’s about focusing on what’s important and avoiding distractions. Every task you undertake should align with your overall strategy. This approach separates successful individuals and businesses from the rest.
At the core of strategy is the drive to succeed. If you’re not winning in your unique field, what’s the point? Plan to win. Strategize to win. Expect to win. Then, use your planning to ensure that outcome. I evaluate daily, or at least every three days. I set aside an hour or more to reflect on my progress, my direction, what’s effective, what’s not, and I adjust my strategy accordingly. I pause my actions and focus on thinking and reflecting. Regular evaluation is the key to continuous improvement and success.
So, turning to you, take a moment and reflect. Stop doing. Stop and think. Do this often. Define your focus: unique, unreproducible, superior value, and delivery. Then, put this into action. Make this a daily or multiple times a week habit. Success, through your unique strategy, will surely follow.
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