Strategy vs. Tactics

It's easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing tactics over strategy. A tactic is a tool for getting something that you want, but it's only useful to you if your broader strategy is solid.

If you’re applying for a job, it’s easy to get caught up in the process of editing your resume. But a resume is just a tactic, and your longer term strategy might be to not need a resume at all — to have such a great portfolio of work and such a strong network that opportunities come to you instead.

Or if you're a competitive runner, worrying about which shoes to wear won't help you if you're running in the wrong direction. The person walking barefoot is going to win every time.

Tactics are seductive, though. And there are many people out there who would like to sell you on the idea that they have one easy trick that will get you to where you want to go.

But getting anywhere worth going doesn't happen overnight. It happens when you get your strategy correct and implement it by relentlessly taking incremental steps.

In the words of Steven Wright, "Everything is within walking distance if you have the time."

Having a good sense of direction helps too.