The process of developing a strategy is the best way to test whether you are actually committed to a specific focus. When you know where you are, where you want to go, and the criteria you have for getting there, developing a strategy can be straightforward.
A strategy is a series of steps we can take to get from where we are now to where we want to be. Often we create strategies without knowing what we’re doing. These “de facto” strategies are reactive in nature. We respond to what’s happening to us, instead of orchestrating what will happen. Are you relying on a ‘de facto’ strategy to change your life?
The Four C’s
To chart our own course, we must consciously create a strategy that works for our situation. This requires the four C’s of creative change:
1) Comfort – knowing what you’re up for
2) Clarity – getting a clear picture of your situation
3) Creativity – being creative about your options
4) Commitment – deciding what you can actually commit to doing.
Stepping Stones
Sometimes we need to develop a strategy that provides a series of stepping-stones…a way to move step-by-step from one situation to another. Stepping-stone strategies usually include taking a variety of interim steps, like keeping a job you’re hoping to leave while studying to enter a new field.
A Helping Hand
Maybe a helping hand is needed. It may be in the form of financial aid or even assistance from a mentor. Often this strategy requires extensive preparation and planning to convince those involved that a proposed strategy will be viable.
The Flying Leap
Some of us are lucky enough to be able to take a flying leap and move directly from the old to the new life with all the planning done in advance. Rarely does this happen by chance.
What Are Your Options?
Are you ready to commit to a particular strategy? To select the best one for your situation, you need to review the strategies you’re considering in detail and imagine yourself carrying each one out. Which one feels best, is most feasible, and most likely to succeed? You can, and should, alter your strategy as you go based on your experiences.
Are you Hung Up?
In searching for a workable strategy we often run headlong into a logjam when trying to change directions. Confusion occurs when we focus on what we fear might happen, or when we over intellectualize to the point that we can’t see the options for doing anything differently. Looking at the big picture it can be hard to see the details of how we can get from one situation to another. A developed strategy gives us ideas as to how we can break the big picture down into manageable pieces. Ask yourself if you are focusing on more than you can take on all at once. Feeling overwhelmed can prevent you from developing a strategy that will get you started.
Experts Can Help
If you don’t know where to begin in breaking your goals down into a manageable strategy, there are experts that can help you… counselors, business consultants and personal coaches. The best route to finding such assistance is through personal referrals, but if you can’t find help that way, check out the web or contact us directly. We offer an initial free consultation
Once you have a strategy laid out step-by-step that you’re committed to implementing, it’s time to put your show on the road! It’s time to act, even if it’s to gather additional information or experience to help you decide on your next step. Each strategy you undertake will lead to the next one. What are you waiting for?
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