Strategic Thinking [SWOT Analysis]
Strategic Thinking
[SWOT Analysis]
SUPERHUMAN SCORE: 8.25
Written by: Ben Meer | October 25, 2024
How to build a world-class strategy (in life and business):
Principle-First
Imagine having a powerful lens that could clarify every major decision in your business, career, and personal life.
SWOT analysis is a strategic framework used by Fortune 500 companies and high performers to do exactly that. It helps you identify your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Whether you’re planning your next career move, launching a business, or seeking personal mastery, this systematic approach will help you work smarter.
SUPERHUMAN SCORING
In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.
Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.
Impact (9.5/10)
I first came across SWOT analysis in my first semester of business school.
What struck me wasn’t just its power to enhance strategic planning in the business world; I realized that SWOT could be applied to my career and life.
So, I began using the framework in these often-overlooked areas.
For example:
- Career: I recognized that I excelled in written communication (strength) but struggled with public speaking (weakness). To address this, I enrolled in a speaking class, turning a personal hurdle into an area of growth (opportunity).
- Personal Life: I had difficulty focusing on my studies (weakness) due to increased social media use (threat). I set up screen time limits and app blockers to better manage my attention (opportunity).
Self-reflection through SWOT helped me increase my self-awareness and reclaim personal power.
If there’s one thing I’d like you to take away from today’s newsletter, it’s this: Give yourself the gift of strategic time.
We often rush into activities that drain our resources (time, energy, finances) without considering if they’re the right move. By taking a moment to think strategically, you ensure that your efforts are aligned with your goals—and reality.
Setup (7.0/10)
Grab a pen and notebook. Use the one-pager below to reflect on your:
- Strengths: Internal attributes that support a successful outcome.
- Weaknesses: Internal limitations that may hinder achievement.
- Opportunities: External factors that you can use to your advantage.
- Threats: External challenges that could derail your goals.
Across your:
- Company
- Career
- Life
Maintenance (7.0/10)
A SWOT analysis isn’t a one-and-done exercise. Your life changes. Your environment changes. Your strategy should, too.
Revisit your SWOT on a regular cadence—about once per quarter. The end of the year is an especially good time to zoom out and set your game plan for the year ahead.
BRINGING IT HOME
Peter Drucker once said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
The coming year isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing the few moves that create outsized results.
Rooting for you.
All systems go,