Episode 031 – Recharging Strategic for Writers

This week on the podcast, we’re getting stuck into one of my superpowers! The art of strategic thinking. If you’re a CliftonStrengths fan and have high Strategic, you may see yourself in this episode. There are tips and tricks for all writers, regardless of your Strengths.

I hope you find this episode inspiring and helpful.

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Listen now wherever you stream podcasts.

Transcript

Hello Navigators! Welcome back to Writer Roadmap. I’m your host, Holly Lyne, and in today’s episode, we’re embarking on a journey that explores the intersection of strategy and creativity. For those of you with “Strategic” listed among your top CliftonStrengths, this episode is your beacon. But even if you haven’t taken the assessment, stick with us. Understanding strategic thinking can propel anyone’s writing to new heights.

Strategic thinkers have a special kind of energy. They see patterns where others see complexity. Today, we dive into how that vision, that ability to foresee, plan, and then execute, can be a tremendous source of energy in your writing journey.

The Power of Strategic Planning in Writing

Strategic thinking isn’t just about planning your next move; it’s about aligning your writing goals with your inner vision. It’s seeing the end from the beginning, navigating through obstacles with agility and grace. Here’s how you can harness this in your writing:

Plot Your Course: Whether you’re a dedicated discovery writer, a die-hard outliner or somewhere in between, take a moment to envision the broader arc of your narrative. Where do you want your characters to end up? What challenges will they face?

Strategic planning can energize your writing process by providing clarity and direction. If, like me, you can only find the end by working through the story, don’t worry, you can apply this big-picture thinking to your motivation for writing the book. What do you hope to do with it?

Think about your vision for your writing life and whether you want this to be a business or a hobby. Consider how you might publish the book and where to find the right readers for it. You can also get strategic about the content – are you hitting the right tropes for your genre? Will readers be so hooked they can’t put it down? How can you create that effect?

Flexible Frameworks: The beauty of strategic thinking lies in its flexibility. While you have a plan, you’re also prepared to adapt. This adaptability can be particularly energizing, as it turns unexpected writing challenges into opportunities for creativity.

Part of being strategic is the ability to pivot. If you’re the sort of person who has contingency plans for your contingency plans, you might be a strategic thinker.

Goal Setting: Use your strategic strength to set realistic, yet ambitious goals for your writing. Break these down into actionable steps. There’s energy in knowing that every piece of the puzzle is leading somewhere exciting. Chances are, if you’re like me, you can’t help but set goals for yourself. It’s how you know where you’re heading and without them you tend not to get anywhere. But setting the right goals is a special skill and can take a little work to get right. This is why I do what I do. I love to help people set achievable goals and thrive on the success they feel when they accomplish the things they set out to do.

Leveraging Strategy for Motivation

Motivation can wane, but a strategic approach to your writing habits and routines can keep the momentum going. Here’s where strategy can truly shine:

Anticipate Challenges: Use your strategic insight to anticipate potential roadblocks in your writing process and plan around them. This proactive approach keeps energy levels high, as you’re prepared for what’s coming.

Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate the milestones along your strategic roadmap. These celebrations fuel motivation, reminding you of the progress you’re making toward your ultimate goal.

Community Engagement: Share your strategic insights with your writing community and even with your readers. Sharing your plans with others can reinforce your own strategies and energize you further.

Strategic Thinking in Daily Life

Incorporating strategic thinking into your daily life can enhance your energy levels across the board. Here are a few tips:

• Daily Reflections: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on your strategic goals and the steps you’re taking to achieve them.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of new trends and ideas in writing and publishing. This knowledge can inform your strategy and keep your approach fresh.
• Mindfulness and Strategy: Believe it or not, mindfulness can coexist with strategic thinking. Be present with your writing; let your mind wander strategically, exploring new ideas and connections.

While understanding and leveraging your strategic strengths in writing is crucial, actively nurturing this skill can significantly boost your energy and motivation. Let’s explore how dedicating time and resources to strategic thinking can invigorate your writing journey.

Actively Gaining Energy Through Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking doesn’t just happen; it’s a skill that can be developed and honed, offering fresh energy and insights. Here’s how to actively engage with your strategic side:

1. Dedicated Strategy Time: Carve out specific blocks of time each week solely for strategic thinking. Use this time to deep dive into analysing your writing challenges and crafting detailed plans of action. This focused effort can clarify your goals and energise your approach to meeting them.
2. Creative Exploration Sessions: Regularly engage in brainstorming sessions or creative exercises that push the boundaries of your imagination. Exploring new ideas and possibilities not only fuels your creativity but also enhances your strategic problem-solving skills.
3. Strategic Learning: Immerse yourself in environments that sharpen your strategic acumen. Participate in workshops, seminars, or online courses focused on strategy and problem-solving. These learning opportunities can introduce new tools and methods that energize your writing process.
4. Community of Strategists: Connect with others who share your passion for strategy. Whether it’s through professional organizations or online communities, exchanging ideas and experiences with like-minded individuals can provide a significant energy boost and broaden your strategic perspective.
5. Embrace Challenges: Seek out projects that stretch your strategic thinking abilities. Tackling challenging assignments requires you to apply and therefore strengthen your strategic skills, providing a sense of accomplishment and renewed energy for your writing endeavours.

By intentionally setting aside time for strategic thought, engaging in activities that stretch your strategic muscles, and connecting with others who can challenge and inspire you, you’re not just solving problems – you’re charging your creative batteries. And in the realm of writing, where each story is a puzzle to be solved, what could be more energising than that?

So, Navigators, as we chart our courses through the seas of storytelling, let’s remember that strategy is more than a tool—it’s a source of power and energy. By nurturing our strategic thinking, we not only enhance our writing but also discover new reserves of motivation and inspiration.

If you’re eager to delve deeper into strategic thinking or if you’re looking for a squad of strategic minds, swing by our community on Patreon at patreon.com/hollylyne or reach out to fellow strategists in the comments below or on social media.

Remember, subscribe to Writer Roadmap to stay on course, and share this voyage with a fellow Navigator. Until our paths cross again, keep writing, keep strategizing, and keep moving forward.

Writer Roadmap intro and outro music used under license from Pixabay. Music track “Salangseuleoun” was Created by “Dayfox”.