Are You Playing a Zero-Sum Game?

Do you ever look around and wonder how you got here?

You are in a job you don’t really like and never really intended to have.
You’re running a business that’s nothing like the one you envisioned.
You’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to climb your way out.

What gives? You’re a hard worker. Smart. Skilled. Creative. Likable.

Why aren’t you finding fulfillment and achieving your goals?

It could be any number of reasons, but there’s a good chance you’re missing one key thing: Strategy!

Most people find themselves in reactive mode — buried in details and busy work, deep in the weeds.

But to get to where you want to be, you have to forge a path. To even see where you want to go, you have to clear the way.

No matter how deep in the muck and mire you are now, it is possible to emerge, reset your coordinates, and forge a new path, toward the place you want to be.

Let’s not complicate this; here’s what I recommend:

1. Make space. Block off your calendar with room to think, dream, and develop a crystal vision. Delegate the lower-value, laborious tasks that take up your time and attention.
2. Play chess. Plan as many steps ahead as possible, and start moving your pieces accordingly.

One of my executive clients followed this advice and soon found herself anticipating and solving key problems in the organization, garnering the respect she desired, and growing as a leader. She went from resenting her role to thriving in a place where she felt she belonged.

Whether you’re navigating a corporate setting, running your own small business, or tackling a job search, you’ll find that stepping back, gaining clarity, and focusing on strategy will take you in the direction you want to go.