The famous book, “The Art of War” was written by Sun Tzu in approximately 500 BC. The quote, “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” is instructive as you begin to decipher the difference between strategy vs. tactics.
Strategy and Tactics Defined
- Strategy defines your long-term goals and how you’re planning to achieve them. In other words, your strategy gives you the path you need toward achieving your mission.
- Tactics are much more concrete and are often oriented toward smaller steps and a shorter time frame along the way. They involve best practices, specific plans, resources, etc. to take to achieve your overall goal.
The Differences are Instructive
Know thyself! Are you “the big picture/goal oriented” person; the “details/how you get there person” or both? When you begin any project, do you establish the overall end result you desire or do you jump in and start things?
Let’s play this out a bit more. If your long-term vision pertaining to life planning is to feel protected, secure and able to leave the planet regret free (strategy), there short-term actions you’ll take include getting your finances in order, making sure you have insurance plans, naming medical advocates, getting organized at home and work and executing legal documents (tactics).
There are always a gazillion little things that contribute to a successful outcome for any project! Getting bogged down in the details may detract you from the bigger picture or be avoidance of what really needs to be done.
Have you heard the terms “shiny penny” or “squirrel”?! Shiny penny – look here! Squirrel, look there! Anything to keep you away from doing what you started out doing 🙂
Play to Your Strengths
Knowing yourself, paying attention and learning your true strengths is so helpful! It allows you to seek help for the areas that either aren’t your strong suit or fulfilling for you. Strategy and tactics rely heavily upon one another, yet they are distinctly different.
In case you’re interested in learning about you – your personality and strengths, this article from Workstyle.io outlines the best personality tests for 2021. https://www.workstyle.io/best-personality-test
These tests have changed quite a bit over the years. It’s fun and insightful to see how these assessments match with you and for you 🙂
Fun fact about me – I love strategy and tactics! The big picture comes first, then the steps to get you there. Let’s make sure you have the information to proceed with developing and implementing plans for you, your families/pets and your work. Bonus for you and yours is to experience a huge sense of relief 🙂
For additional information about me, check out my website: https://thelivingplanner.com Have questions, email me: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com
Take care of you –Lynn
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