The Strategic Move Is King: Why Your Approach Matters More Than Who You Are

It’s tempting to believe that some companies, organizations, or people are just born winners, always destined for success. A closer look at history, however, tells a different story. Companies that ruled one decade can flounder the next, regardless of their size, location, or even how beloved they once were.

What really matters is something subtler: the strategic move—a set of major actions that genuinely changes the game. For instance, a neighborhood sports club might suddenly surge in popularity, not because it’s been around longer than others, but because it decided to host a citywide tournament, drawing families who had never participated before. The move resets the landscape, for a while at least, and creates fresh energy and community value.

But if the club then slips back into routine, simply copying its competitors, its star soon fades. The clubs and businesses that thrive do so by repeatedly making courageous, creative moves, not by relying on their reputation or their industry’s supposed stability. This insight, often ignored, can free individuals and organizations alike from limiting beliefs and inspire new adventure.

Across fields—from tech startups to student groups—the big, deliberate move matters far more than the label you wear or the organization you belong to. Focusing energy on what you do, not who you are, is the surest path to renewal and growth.

Look back at your recent major decisions and set aside the urge to define success by school, job, or company status. Instead, give honest attention to the bold steps you’ve actually taken—were they creative, high-impact, and did they open new possibilities? Analyze what shifted when you moved beyond familiar territory, and ask yourself what new stories or learning resulted from these choices. When you orient towards taking meaningful actions rather than clinging to labels, you’ll find yourself on a more powerful, adaptable path forward.