Get Your Ducks in a Row (Before You Send Them into Battle): Why Mindset, Vision, and Structure Come Before Strategy

Let’s be honest, everyone loves talking about “strategy.” It sounds sharp, decisive, and sophisticated, like you’re plotting your way to victory in an epic business campaign. But here’s the hard truth: strategy is actually the last step. Yes, really. Strategy comes last.

To achieve anything truly significant—whether that’s scaling a business, transforming a team, or reaching personal milestones—you need to start with three foundational principles: mindset, vision, and structure. Only then can a strategy have any real impact.

Let’s break down these steps with a bit of blunt honesty and a few historical stories to show why these aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re essentials.

Step 1: Mindset – The Napoleon Factor

Think about Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most successful (and, let’s be real, ruthless) military strategists. Sure, he had armies, resources, and strategic brilliance, but above all, he had mindset. Napoleon saw himself as a conqueror, a game-changer, someone destined to leave his mark on the world. His mindset drove him to take risks and keep moving forward even when things got tough.

Mindset isn’t just about positive thinking or “staying motivated.” It’s the backbone of every decision, every action, every comeback. If Napoleon didn’t truly believe he could shape history, he would have just been another short guy in a hat, not a legendary figure. Yes, he eventually fell (thanks, Waterloo), but without his mindset, he would never have even come close.

Lesson Learned: If you don’t start with the belief that you’re here to do something meaningful, the rest will fall flat. Begin with a mindset that’s resilient, adaptable, and ready for anything.

Best Practice: Build a daily routine that reinforces this mindset. Whether it’s reflecting on past successes, focusing on your strengths, or setting intentions for the day, make it a habit that strengthens your inner foundation.

Step 2: Vision – The Wright Brothers Saw the Sky Before They Took Flight

Mindset is your fuel, but vision is your compass. If mindset says, “I’m unstoppable,” vision says, “And this is where I’m going.”

Think of the Wright Brothers. These two bicycle mechanics didn’t just dabble in flying as a hobby. They had a vision of what human flight would mean for the world. That clear vision powered them through countless failures, public doubt, and plenty of crashes. If they were just focused on “strategy”—building plane parts without a clear vision—they would have likely given up after the first few failures. But their vision was what kept them committed.

Vision is not optional. It’s essential. Without a clear vision, strategy becomes a series of disconnected actions with no greater purpose. Vision is what gives you resilience and keeps you steady through the inevitable ups and downs.

Best Practice: Ask yourself, “What’s the bigger picture here?” Write it down. Make a vision board. Keep it visible so that when things get hard, you remember why you started. Vision helps you stay the course and avoid distractions.

Step 3: Structure – How IKEA Took Over the World, One Allen Wrench at a Time

Even the strongest mindset and clearest vision will only get you so far if you don’t have a structure to support them. Imagine trying to run a global business out of your basement. It may have worked in the early days for companies like Apple, but eventually, structure became essential for growth.

Take IKEA as a prime example. They didn’t just have a vision of affordable furniture for everyone. They created a structure to make it happen: flat-pack furniture, efficient store layouts, and a logistics system that could support global reach. Their structure allows their vision to scale and thrive.

Structure is the framework, the systems, and the support that make your vision sustainable. Without it, strategy becomes a flimsy plan that’s bound to collapse at the first obstacle.

Best Practice: Build out the structures that support your vision. This could be your team, the systems you use to track progress, or your daily routines. Structure turns ideas into reality by giving them the support they need.

Now—And Only Now—It’s Time for Strategy

Once you’ve got your mindset, vision, and structure in place, you’re finally ready for strategy. Strategy is the map that tells you how to reach your destination, but if you don’t know where you’re going or have the right vehicle, even the best map won’t help.

Take Winston Churchill during WWII. He didn’t start with military tactics; he started by rallying the mindset of an entire nation. He painted a vision of freedom and victory. He built a structure of alliances, internal support, and national morale. Only after all that was in place did he dive into strategy, crafting a plan that helped turn the tide of war.

Best Practice: Map out your strategy only once you’re clear on the first three steps. Align it with your vision and structure, but keep it adaptable. Life happens, and flexibility is key to a sustainable strategy.

The Formula for Real, Sustainable Success

Mindset, vision, structure—then strategy. It’s a sequence that applies to everyone, from Fortune 500 executives to aspiring entrepreneurs to anyone looking to make real progress. Whether you’re launching a business, growing a team, or setting personal goals, this framework lays the groundwork for real impact.

So, next time you’re tempted to dive into “strategizing,” stop and ask yourself: Do I have the right mindset? Is my vision clear? Do I have the structure to support it? If the answer is no, pause and build the foundation first. Rushing ahead without these pieces in place leads to burnout, confusion, and a lot of wasted time.

Ready to Get Your Foundations in Place?

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a foundation that lasts, book a discovery call with me. We’ll dive into your mindset, clarify your vision, and put the structure in place that will make your strategy not just a plan, but a powerful pathway to real results.

I’ve worked with Fortune 500 executives, founders, and leaders who were just as eager to dive into action as you are. And the ones who succeed? They’re the ones who take the time to get these fundamentals right.

Let’s make your strategy the last thing you need to worry about. Schedule your call today, and let’s start building something that will last.

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