How to adopt a Strategic Mindset to upgrade your 2024

How often did you set New Year’s resolutions and drop them after the first month or even weeks? Honestly, most of us do it. But why do we not follow through with our New Year’s resolutions? And what can we learn from successful strategy execution for our personal lives?

2024 is around the corner, and both individuals as well as organizations are planning for the next year

But let’s be honest - how many people do you know who actually stick to their ‘New Year’s resolutions ’? And how many organizations roll out their strategies effectively?

Statistically, only around 10% of people reach their New Year’s resolution . And for organizations , only 10% succeed rolling out their strategies effectively.

That means 90% of strategies and New Year’s resolutions fail.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I have been working in Strategy related roles my entire professional career and since 8 years, I am actively on a personal and spiritual growth journey that led me to obtain various certifications (Coach, nutritionist, yoga teacher). There is something about the complexity and the nature of “never being done” in both Strategy and Personal Growth, that I am very much drawn to. So here’s my take on how to be part of the 10%.

Adopting a strategic mindset

In the fast-paced landscape of both business and personal growth, intriguing commonalities emerge between strategic thinking in corporations and individual development.

I’m sharing below a blend of what I have seen strategically mature companies do well, what I have seen coaching clients succeed with and what worked for me personally in adopting a strategic mindset.

1. A clear vision that defines your ‘WHY’

In corporate strategy, a clear vision is paramount for success. I have seen how a strong vision energized employees and provided purpose. A clear vision that employees connect with, can be a driver for engagement and fulfillment.

The same holds true for personal development. I find a well-defined vision for my life, together with a strong set of values equipped me to make intentional decisions, set meaningful goals and navigate challenges with resilience.

2. Aligning your goals

Strategic planning within organizations involves aligning goals across departments for cohesive progress. Alignment is often paramount for good collaboration and and to provide transparency.

Similarly, I always find that my goals emerge more naturally when I am aligning them with my overarching life vision. Alignment provides a sense of purpose, direction and connection. Same holds true for the different roles that play in our lives. Mother, Strategist, Coach… all of my “roles” align to my bigger WHY and therefore everything that I do is connected and aligned.

3. Adaptability and Resilience

In a dynamic business environment, adaptability is a key strategic advantage. Ever since the pandemic, we have seen how resilient and flexible companies lasted or even made such a pivot that they created a whole new standard for their industry. Let’s look at the Personal Development industry itself - Tony Robbins and team took live events to another level by pivoting to massive virtual live events held via zoom during the pandemic and created a new industry standard even beyond the pandemic.

And I find the same is true for individuals. Especially with life’s uncertainties, pivoting gracefully and with resilience is easier when there is a bigger purpose. Seeing the bigger picture, and staying flexible has helped me personally to navigate through tougher times. When we just focus on “there has to be a way”, then there will be a way.

4. Making use of the best skills

Corporate strategy often revolves around optimizing resources for maximum efficiency, yet ensuring a culture of belonging and psychological safety. After all you might have heard the saying “culture eats strategy for breakfast” - and it’s true. The right people with the right mindset will be open to adopt a strategic mindset and ultimately live strategy every day.

And in a similar manner, personal development encourages individuals to identify and leverage their strengths, skills, and resources to achieve personal and professional goals effectively in the same way. Once I started focusing on my strengths and further nourish them, I have so much more fun every day.

5. Continuous Learning

Successful strategies evolve through continuous learning and adaptation. Pausing, reflecting, learning and adjusting is a smart way to continuously assess and improve your strategy.

And the same holds true for personal development. We have all heard how some of the smartest individuals are avid readers to continuously learn. I personally love reading and learning from other people - there is something to learn from everyone. And of course as a mom of a toddler, I am reminded every day how to be humble and learn to see things through a new perspective. Learning and growth can come in different shapes and forms.

6. Collaboration and Networking

In corporate strategy, collaboration fosters innovation and growth. Nurturing a growth mindset in the organization supports individuals to collaborate and learn from each other. Aligning strategic goals between teams can enhance x-functional collaboration.

And equally as individuals, building a network and collaborating with others creates opportunities for learning and mutual support. In fact I met some of the most interesting people through networking and unexpected connections. And some of the most magical events that I co-hosted have been a product of co-creation.

7. Metrics, Pause and Reflection

Strategic planning involves tracking performance metrics to gauge success and make informed decisions. Looking at the right insights, helps organizations make faster decisions and provides visibility.

And there is a reason why so many individuals love to track their progress especially for fitness related goals. They hold us accountable and we can reflect on our achievements. And even when there are no metrics, I personally find it very important to pause, reflect and celebrate achievements. I like to make it part of a journaling exercise.

To sum it all up…

I have seen great strategies, poor strategies and everything in between. Ultimately the ones that achieve their goals repeatedly are collectively or as individuals driven by their purpose, their ‘WHY’. Their purpose is so strong, that they become unstoppable. If they combine their purpose with the right process, people and platform, their strategy execution is set up for success. If the vision and overall goal is not strong enough, the focus shifts back to short-term goals, and the day-to-day takes over easily.

If this strategy concept speaks to you and you’re looking to improve your strategy execution in 2024, check out what we do at Cascade.

And if you are an individual who feels compelled to adapt a strategic mindset and upgrade your 2024 - I have something for you. As individuals, the most powerful time to go inwards, reflect and set ourselves up for the new year is between Christmas and New Year. I am hosting a 90 minute workshop Reflect & Renew on December 30 at 10am EST.

About the author

Miriam Lesa is a multi-dimensional certified soul & life coach for women, experienced business strategist, nutritionist and yoga teacher, practicing the art of slow living since almost 10 years. Her heart is at the intersection between wellbeing, motherhood and business.

Attuned to corporate life and navigating C-Suite for over 15 years, yet grounded in peace, intuition and connections, she is deeply passionate about supporting women, especially working moms to access their inner compass to ignite their strength and live a life in abundance.

Born and raised in Germany, Miriam now lives with her husband and son in Toronto since 2018.