What is strategic thinking and planning and how can you use it to help you as you navigate your widowed journey? It is a set of skills highly desired by business organizations that help leaders identify and solve complex problems and plan for the future. For widowed individuals, tapping into these skills can help you navigate the challenges of widowhood with resilience and purpose.

If you want to improve your strategic thinking skills, you need to focus on four areas: 

1. Ask strategic questions
2. Observe and reflect on your current situation
3. Consider opposing ideas (testing your plans)
4. Gather more training 

Ask Strategic Questions:

They are questions that will help you gain clarity about a situation, make an informed decision, and plan for your future.  They will help you explore the deeper aspects of your situation and plan for the future. These questions may start with, “how will I…” and address many areas.

Observe and Reflect On Your Current Situation

You need to be able to see your current situation realistically both for healing and to make informed decisions.  How do you do this? Find a quiet and safe place then get to journaling. Notice your emotions and experience them as they arise.  Take your deep breaths and then begin to assess your situation: social networks, finances and even routines.  Knowledge is power, and you can use these honest assessments to set goals and make plans. 

Test Your Ideas

If can be challenging to think clearly, especially in the early days of widowhood.  You will need to make many plans. Consider opposing ideas as a way to help you gain perspective and challenge your assumptions.  You”ll find the holes in the plan, and once you’ve identified them, then you can course correct and make a well-informed decision.  

Gather More Training

How in the world do you gather more training? Training looks like researching and assessing your goals.  It looks like considering your resources, networking with others, and if necessary, creating a plan for learning a new skill to help your in your new life.  

So, what does this look like in action? How do the principals of strategic thinking translate into our lives as widowed people? Well, my friends, it could look like you taking any of these actions:

• Assessing Your Current Situation: You objectively assess your current situation. This includes understanding your emotional state, financial stability, support network, and any immediate challenges you are facing.
• Defining Goals and Priorities: You identifiy your short-term and long-term goals, taking into account your personal aspirations and the life you want to build moving forward. Goals may include emotional healing, financial security, personal development, or creating new social connections.
• Creating a Roadmap: A strategic plan is developed, breaking down your goals into actionable steps. This roadmap serves as a guide for you to help you navigate the challenges of widowhood.
• Seeking Support and Guidance: You seek support from friends, family, support groups, or professionals to help you navigate through the grieving process and make informed decisions about financial, legal, and practical matters.
• Financial Planning: Strategic planning involves assessing your financial situation and making appropriate adjustments to ensure financial stability and security. This may involve creating a budget, evaluating investments, or seeking advice from financial advisors.
• Emotional Healing: You acknowledge your grief and engage in self-care practices to support your emotional well-being. You may seek therapy or counseling to help process your emotions and find coping strategies.
• Building a Support Network: You strategically identify safe people who can offer emotional support, practical assistance, and understanding. This may involve reconnecting with old friends or finding new social groups.
• Adapting to Change: Strategic planning acknowledges that life after the loss of your partner involves adapting to new circumstances. You remain flexible and open to adjusting your plans as you navigate through this transitional period.
• Personal Growth and Development: You strategically identify opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement. This might include taking up new hobbies, pursuing education or training, or exploring new interests.
• Making Informed Decisions: Strategic planning ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully, considering both short-term and long-term consequences. You evaluate your options carefully and consult with trusted advisors when needed.
• Practicing Self-Compassion: You show yourself compassion, allowing yourself the time and space to grieve and heal while also taking steps to rebuild your life.
• Tracking Progress: Your regularly review your progress, celebrate milestones, and make adjustments to your strategic plan as needed.

Strategic planning for widowed people provides a roadmap for navigating through grief, rebuilding your life, and creating a fulfilling future.

Strategic thinking is not about trying to solve everything at once. It’s about being thoughtful, purposeful, and proactive in navigating the challenges of widowhood. Be patient with yourself, and allow yourself the space to heal and rebuild your life step by step.

Remember, you can do this, and I’m here to help.

Julie

P.S. If you want to continue this conversation, I invite you to contact me through the website where I offer coaching and mentoring. I look forward to hearing from you.