Happy New Year, everyone! This week, we’re diving into the art and power of planning, focusing on a concept that lies at the core of the Plan-Be methodology—Strategy.
But before we begin, let’s set the tone. let's listen to the Legendary Charles Aznavour with "Hier Encore". "Hier Encore" is a poignant song about reflection, lost time, and the regrets of not living with intention. It’s a reminder of how easy it is to let days slip by without a clear plan or vision—something we are addressing in this episode of Plan-Be.
Introduction: Strategy—The Second Element in the 3S Triangle
In the framework I’ve created for the Plan-Be methodology, there’s a triangle of 3S:1️⃣ State (Physical, Mental, and Motivational Energy)2️⃣ Strategy (today’s focus)3️⃣ Skill-set (coming soon)
Last time, we covered the State, the foundation of energy management. Today, we’re moving to Strategy, the guiding light that aligns your actions with your mission and vision. Think of strategy as the apex of the triangle—it’s where your focus shifts toward achieving your ultimate goals.
Now, before we dive deeper, let’s address an essential point: strategy is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s deeply personal. While you can use tools like the Plan-Be methodology for guidance, the best strategy is one that resonates with you. This week, I’ll challenge you to explore what works for you, develop your unique approach to planning, and move closer to your goals.
The Heart of Strategy
What is Strategy, and Where Do We Start?
When we think about strategy, many of us jump to project management concepts like timelines and work breakdown structures. While these tools are helpful, they come later in the process. Before diving into execution, we need to define the why and the what—your Vision.
In a workshop I ran, I asked participants, “What is the core element of a plan?” The answers varied:
Objective
Target
Vision
Main Goal
All these answers are correct in their own way, but I’d argue everything begins with your Vision. Your Vision is the ultimate thing that brings you joy. It’s the legacy you want to leave behind, the “why” that fuels your actions.
Finding Your Vision
Steven Covey, in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, introduces a profound exercise: imagine your funeral. What would you want people to say about you? What legacy would you like to leave behind? This thought experiment helps you clarify what truly matters.
For me, my vision is about creating wealth for my son and sharing the knowledge I’ve developed with enthusiastic learners like you. Your vision might be entirely different, and that’s the beauty of it—it’s personal.
Once you define your vision, ask yourself: What’s the purpose behind it? This is your “why.” If your Vision is the destination, your purpose is the fuel that drives you there. It’s the energy, passion, and motivation that keep you going.
From Vision to Strategy
With your vision in place, the next step is to break it down into manageable parts. In the Plan-Be methodology, we recommend defining a 2-3 year mission—a medium-term objective that aligns with your vision but isn’t so overwhelming that it scares you off.
As the Farsi saying goes: “A big stone is a sign of threat, not a real fight.” What this means is that overly ambitious objectives can trigger fear and procrastination. By setting a clear, realistic mission, you create a pathway to progress.
Once you have your mission, start thinking about the short-term, mid-term, and long-term milestones. For example, if your mission is to write a book, your milestones might include:
Short-term: Write the first chapter.
Mid-term: Complete the manuscript.
Long-term: Publish and market the book.
Breaking your mission into milestones makes it actionable and achievable. It also brings you closer to the concept of project planning and work breakdown structures, which we’ll explore more in future discussions.
Small Steps Lead to Big Outcomes
Finally, focus on your short-term milestones. Define what you need to do this week to move closer to your goals. Whether it’s scheduling writing time, reaching out to mentors, or conducting research, having a clear weekly focus will keep you on track.
As I always say, “Success is the sum of small, consistent actions.”
Your Turn: Start Planning Today
Prepared to begin?
Utilize the methodology outlined above to craft your vision, mission, and your short, mid, and long-term milestones for your mission objective. Ensure you have taken into account all aspects of your objectives.
Next week, I will provide a template from the Plan-be toolkit that you can use for this purpose. However, I intentionally haven't included it here yet, so you can create your own version.
Community Update: What’s New?
🎉 Instagram Series Launch: I’ve started a series of programs on Instagram, including carousels on planning and self-improvement. Follow @AmirFarhangy to join the journey and share your feedback!
📹 Upcoming YouTube Content: A video explaining how to use the Plan-Be toolkit will be available soon. Keep an eye out for updates.
Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear how I can improve and serve you better.
Weekly Inspirational Corner: Words of Wisdom
Here’s a quote to inspire your planning journey:
"Start with the end in mind." – Steven Covey
Planning isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating a roadmap to your dreams.
"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens." – Carl Jung
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." – Joel A. Barker
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Next Week: The Skill-set
Next week, we’ll dive into the third element of the Plan-Be triangle: Skill-set. But we won’t just focus on technical skills. We’ll also explore the importance of soft skills and personal development. After all, both are essential for achieving your goals.
Stay tuned, and I’ll see you next week for another exciting step in your Plan-Be journey!
Wishing you all the best for 2025 and a year filled with planning and success!
Amir
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