The principles of military strategy that have been developed and perfected over the centuries have a direct correlation to applications and implications for strategic thinking, both on a personal and professional level.
One of the most important principles is the principle of the objective. This principle requires that you know in advance exactly what objective it is that you are trying to accomplish. Indeed, most problems in personal and corporate life come from a lack of clarity with regard to objectives and goals. Make this your #1 priority.
Being clear about your objectives is also paramount to success, and precedes all other elements in strategic thinking. You can focus and clarify your objectives by constantly asking yourself what you’re trying to do, how you’re trying to do it, and if your assumptions about the task are correct.
Having the courage to ask these questions, both spoken and unspoken, is a key indicator of a successful person. Sometimes individuals avoid questioning their assumptions for fear that they will have to change their minds or do something other than what they started out to do. However, false assumptions lie at the root of almost every failure. The only way that you can root out these wrong assumptions is by carefully analyzing them, and seeking proof that the assumptions are still valid.
The final part of clarifying your objectives revolves around your identifying the reasons why you want to achieve this objective in the first place. Why is it important? Is it still as important as when you started off? Is this objective more important than any other objective that you could be working on?
It is essential that you be clear about the answers to these questions because ultimately, it is only for yourself that you need to find the truth. And once you gather answers that are based in truth, your objectives will solidify or wither.
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