This article is based on the Strategic Pathway which can be downloaded here
This is part 2 of a 10 part series exploring in more detail how to go about building a strategic plan. Part 1 can be found here
A strategy is a plan of action. The purpose of a strategy is to map out how you can get from one position to another. So it's pretty crucial to know where you're starting from.
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Imagine that Z is a geographical location - your route to getting there will be very different depending on whether you are starting at A or C or D. The same is true when Z is a different kind of goal. Let's look at the same image but looking at net worth. Z is still the desired outcome - how might the paths differ depending on what the starting points are?
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So, where are you now?
It helps here to have a rough idea of the kind of outcome you are aiming for just to help steer your questions but you can also just so an overall check in with your whole life. Consider areas such as:
1. Employment - what, satisfaction level,
2. Accommodation - where, with who, in what?
3. Hobbies / interests outside of work / studies
4. Support network - friends, family, colleagues, professional advisors, counsellors or mentors
5. Finances - income, outgoings, debt, assets
6. Relationship - single, partnered, married; happy, frustrated, trapped?
7. How you feel - are you still curious? Or bored or excited or anxious?
8. Health
These are just a handful of suggestions, some of which may not apply to you - take what is helpful and discard the rest. Are there any other areas you need or want to think about? Add them in! The key thing here is to be really honest with yourself - what have you achieved, what's working, what's not, what do you love, what would you ideally like to remove from your life?
Once you have a full assessment of where you are, it's time to work out where you want to be. Follow me to ensure part 3 of this series appears in your feed.