"Sound strategy starts with having the right goal."

Alright, so let's dive into this idea. At its core, this statement is all about the importance of having a clear and correct objective before you even start planning. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Imagine you’re setting out on a road trip. The first thing you need to know is where you’re going. Without that destination, you can’t plan what route to take, which car to use, or even what kind of snacks to pack. It’s pretty much the same with strategy.

Historically, this concept has been around for ages. Take ancient military leaders, for instance. They always began by defining their goals—was it to defend their territory, or to conquer new lands? Without that clear goal, their strategies would’ve been all over the place. This idea is timeless because it’s so fundamental to success in any endeavor.

Now, let me give you a real-life example. Think back to Steve Jobs and the early days of Apple. When he returned to the company in the late 90s, Apple was floundering. They had a bunch of products, but no clear direction. Jobs set a new goal: to create a small line of powerful, user-friendly products. With that goal in mind, the strategy became clear. They streamlined their offerings and focused on innovation. The result? Products like the iMac, iPod, and eventually the iPhone, which revolutionized the tech industry. Jobs started with the right goal, and everything else fell into place.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by really thinking about what you want to achieve. Whether it’s for your business, your career, or even personal projects, take the time to define your goal. Be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” say, “I want to be able to run a 5K in under 30 minutes.” That clear goal will help you figure out the best way to get there.

Let’s get a bit more personal. Imagine you’re trying to save money for a big trip. You could just generally aim to “save more,” but that’s pretty vague, right? Instead, set a specific goal: “I want to save $3,000 in six months to go to Japan.” Now you have something concrete to work towards. You can break it down—how much do you need to save each month, each week? You can start looking at your budget to see where you can cut back, maybe make your morning coffee at home instead of buying it out.

Here’s a little story to bring it home. There was this guy, let's call him John. John wanted to start his own freelance graphic design business. At first, his goal was just “make money as a freelancer.” But he wasn’t getting anywhere. Then, he sat down and set a specific goal: “I want to earn $5,000 a month through design projects within a year.” With that target, John could develop a strategy. He created a portfolio, networked like crazy, and started pitching to clients who could offer higher-paying gigs. Within a year, he didn’t just meet his goal—he surpassed it.

So next time you’re about to start something new, take a moment. Define your goal clearly. Think of it as your north star, guiding your path. Without it, you’re just wandering around hoping to get lucky. Get that goal right, and the rest will follow.