How often do you consciously think of strategies to reach your goals more efficiently, in your professional and personal life?

Most of the time we’re on auto-pilot, thinking that if we get into action mode faster, then we reach our goals faster.

But here’s the truth: speed isn’t always the same as efficiency.

It’s like racing in a car without a map – you might go fast, but you may not reach your destination as efficiently as you could. And you might even miss some checkpoints on the way.

Here are 5 questions that can help you add a strategic view to your goal, and 5 quick tips that can help you find your answers more easily.

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1) What are your milestones and how do you measure your progress?

Think of milestones as checkpoints on your journey, guiding you toward your destination. They provide the clarity and build the momentum you need to stay on track … so that every time you’re tempted to take a detour, you know where you need to come back.

ℹ️ Here’s a quick tip – start from the endpoint and go backwards towards today. For example, if you want to publish a book in 1 year (that’s the endpoint), what needs to be done 1 month / 2 months / 6 months / … / today so that everything is ready for publishing the book?

2) Who else is influenced by your decisions and needs to be onboard?

Consider the broader implications of your choices on your team, organization, or stakeholders. The decisions we make, both in our personal and professional lives, impact others – whether we like it or not. We’re all part of interconnected systems, and you can use this in your advantage.

ℹ️ Here’s a quick tip – map your stakeholders based on their power and interest in your decision, and involve them based on their needs. For example, stakeholders with high power and high interest need to be closely managed, while those with low power and low interest can be informed from time to time. If you’d like to dive deeper into this framework, it’s called “Power Interest Matrix”.

3) What potential risks might appear?

It’s like knowing that storms may come while sailing – you can prepare your ship to navigate them safely. Think of risks in terms of impact and likelihood to happen; having back-up plans will help you feel more prepared and self-confident.

ℹ️ Here’s a quick tip – when listing the risks and their mitigation options, focus on the ones with higher probability and higher impact; do not spend time addressing every single small risk.

4) Who can be your strategic partners?

In your journey toward your goals, don’t forget that you don’t have to go alone. Seek out allies who share your vision and can help you navigate challenges together.

ℹ️ Here’s a quick tip – having a strategic partner can be as simple as having an accountability partner, a friend or a colleague with whom you share your progress and challenges. You can also collaborate with a coach or a mentor, depending on your more specific needs.

5) What resources can you use to speed up or enhance your journey?

For instance, your network and skills can be invaluable assets. The more you utilize these resources effectively, the faster and more efficiently you can progress toward your goals.

ℹ️ Here’s a quick tip – think of how you would approach the goal from other roles you identify with. For example, if you enjoy cycling, ask yourself “how would a cyclist approach this goal?”; or if you are a stellar sales person, ask yourself “how would a sales person approach this goal?”. This way, you can identify skills you can apply from one area of your life to another.

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Strategic thinking isn’t just a one-time exercise, but rather an ongoing process. Just like coaching.

Make space for it, find your allies, use your resources, and lead with intention.

Have an amazing day!

Georgiana