How Strategic Thinking Can Transform Challenges

Plans and strategies are different. A simple plan outlines what you propose to do to get from point 'A' to point 'B.' You know your current standing and destination and outline what is required to get there. Plans are usually static. They are basic and don't often allow for life's dynamic, changing nature.

A strategy is a plan that asks plenty of "what if" questions. Unlike a simple action plan, potential challenges are considered when drafting a strategy. A person reviews past failures to identify how to overcome challenges that weren't properly addressed. 

Every aspect of an endeavor is studied. Several plans are given a virtual trial run. Solutions are developed for known potential setbacks and unforeseen circumstances. This approach makes it easier for you to overcome obstacles that would otherwise halt your progress.

Strategic Thinking Helps You Manage Emotions

It would be great if you could go from cradle to grave with nothing holding you back. Life would never get in your way, obstacles wouldn't appear on the path to your dream reality, and you would know nothing but success.

That is a fantasy.

You are well aware that challenges are going to appear on your horizon. You will need to deal with them, and they often cause emotional distress. Strategic thinking takes your emotions out of the equation and allows you to assess what is happening objectively.

·      Emotions say, "I can't believe it! Right when everything was going smoothly, this happened! What am I going to do? Am I going to fail? Am I ever going to achieve my goal?"

·      Strategy says, "I am facing a potential setback. I must examine the situation thoroughly and develop a new approach to overcome this challenge."

Keep going when challenges appear. Look at them objectively. Don't let your emotions take over. View what you want to accomplish and the new circumstances you must deal with, and then develop a few potential strategies reflecting your values. This is a proven way to reframe a challenge as nothing more than the next stepping stone on your path to success.