Whether you are a mentoring student, a corporate professional, a first-time entrepreneur, or someone looking to shift gears, the message of this article is for you.

The thread that binds thoughts, words, and action

Between a thought and a word, there’s a bridge. Cross it. Between a word and an action, there’s a mountain. Crush it.

We often make promises to ourselves and to the people surrounding us. Building integrity is acting upon our words and promises.

Most recently, an investor gave me feedback on my valuation model. I responded, “I will read everything you sent me and integrate it into my model where possible. If not, I will get inspired for the vision”. That sounds like a professional answer, right? Not until it’s done, and I followed up on it to show him it’s been taken into account.

Delaying the space between knowing and doing creates discomfort and unnecessary suffering. 

My secret sauce to pursuing the grand career I want is eliminating the space between knowing and doing. Eliminating the what and actively striving for the relationships I want to keep, the opportunities I want to seize, and turning my dreams into reality. 

To know what you want is like having a plant, but to have it is not enough. You have to water it regularly, or else it will dissipate and die. You can think of it as a plant, muscle, or anything that needs constant practice. This plant is what I call ‘Strategic Thinking.’

The Art of Strategic Thinking

It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well, what if this happened?” This recurring question helps you see around the next corner. There you can accurately evaluate the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path—your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward.

The three steps I abide by to stay focused and gain time are: “What if?” Select. Strike.