Strategic Thinking

Abstract

Strategy is a charismatic word for thinking ahead and acting in such a way as to optimize your outcomes over a long period of time. I like optimizing outcomes and so do you. I spent over a decade as a martial arts instructor, and I can guarantee you that in that kind of environment, everybody wants to optimize outcomes. On the Judo mat, strategy means getting out of a bad situation in one piece. To support this desirable outcome, think about the following:¹

• Know your options.

• Know your opponent’s (your competition’s) options.

• Know how the market and business environment can change.

• Have a sense of priority.

This strategy was a core lesson at the Integrated Arts martial arts academy in Austin, Texas, at which I was the assistant instructor for many years.