Decoding Strategy: How I Finally Figured It Out

A few years back, I found myself in the thick of middle management, itching to climb the ladder into executive territory. But there was one big hurdle in my way: strategy. Everyone around me seemed to get it, but to me, it felt like trying to solve a riddle without any clues. What is strategy, anyway?

So, I did what any determined person would do—I went all in. I Googled “strategy,” signed up for every course with the word in the title, and devoured book after book. But instead of clarity, I just ended up more confused. Vision, mission, long-term planning, execution... It was all so vague and, honestly, a little intimidating. Strategy seemed like one of those secret handshakes that only the big bosses knew.

But then, one day, I stumbled on a piece of advice that hit me like a bolt of lightning. The book said:

"CEOs spend 50% of their time planning for the next few years, 25% on the next one to three months, and the rest on current issues. Managers, on the other hand, focus on the next few weeks or months, handling the detailed tasks while looking to the CEO for direction."

And just like that, everything clicked. Strategy wasn’t some mystical concept. It was simply about looking ahead—way ahead—and planning for the future. It was about lifting my eyes from the day-to-day grind and thinking bigger. Suddenly, strategy felt a lot less like rocket science and more like common sense.

The Big Misunderstanding About Strategy

Let’s be real—most people think strategy is reserved for CEOs and military generals. But here’s the truth: strategy is for anyone who wants to steer their own ship, whether it’s in business, your career, or just life in general.

The biggest mistake people make is thinking strategy is just about setting long-term goals. But it’s not. Strategy is about making choices—sometimes tough ones. It’s about deciding what you’re not going to do just as much as what you are going to do.

For example, in business, you might choose to focus on a niche market rather than trying to be everything to everyone. In your career, it could mean doubling down on a skill that’s going to open doors for you, instead of spreading yourself thin trying to be a jack-of-all-trades.

Why Strategy Matters—Both at Work and in Life

Without a strategy, you’re basically drifting. Sure, you might be working hard, but without a clear direction, all that effort can easily turn into burnout rather than success. Strategy is your roadmap. It helps you channel your resources—whether that’s time, energy, or money—into what really matters.

Let me give you an example. Back when I was all about getting things done, I was laser-focused on the present. I’d make sure tasks were completed on time, check in with other departments, and keep everything running smoothly. But here’s the thing—I wasn’t looking ahead. I wasn’t asking the big questions: What’s happening in the market? What do our customers really need? What’s the competition up to? Where’s the company headed in the long run? I was so caught up in the day-to-day that I missed the bigger picture.

And honestly, my personal life wasn’t much different. Every day was like a replay of the one before: work, come home, deal with family stuff, crash, repeat. I didn’t have short-term goals, let alone a long-term vision. And whenever I did try to make plans, they’d quickly fall apart because I didn’t have a strategy to keep me on track.

How to Create a Strategy That Actually Works

So, how do you create a strategy that doesn’t just look good on paper but actually works? Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

1. Start with the End in Mind: What does success look like for you? Whether it’s in your career, your business, or your personal life, you need to have a clear vision of where you want to end up. That’s your destination, and it should guide all your decisions.

2. Focus on the Big Rocks: Think about the most important things you need to do to get to that destination. These are your big rocks—the priorities that need to go into your jar first. In business, it might be focusing on product development or customer satisfaction. In life, it could be investing in your health or building meaningful relationships.

3. Be Ready to Make Trade-offs: You can’t do everything. Trying to will only leave you spread too thin. Decide what you’re willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals. Maybe it’s saying no to certain projects, or maybe it’s cutting back on social time to focus on your education.

4. Stay Flexible: Life throws curveballs, and things don’t always go according to plan. The best strategies are adaptable. Be ready to pivot when necessary, but always keep your end goal in sight.

5. Execute Like a Boss: A strategy is only as good as its execution. Once you’ve made your choices, commit to them fully. Stay disciplined, even when things get tough.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, strategy is about taking control. It’s about being intentional with your choices, whether at work or in life, so that you’re steering your ship, not just letting the waves push you around.

So, if you’ve ever felt like strategy is some kind of corporate mystery, believe me—I’ve been there. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s all about lifting your head, looking ahead, and making the smart choices that will get you where you want to go.

And trust me, once you crack the code, everything starts to make sense.