Folks, We Need to Play Chess, Not Social Media Whack-a-Mole
It’s time for some real talk: we need to be playing chess, but too often we’re playing social media Whack-a-Mole. There are countless books, blogs, and podcasts about thinking five steps ahead, about playing mental chess. Yet, how often do we apply those lessons to the situations right in front of us? Instead, we’re sending the “I just wanted you to know” emails at 11 p.m., calling out others without pausing to reflect, and reacting impulsively rather than strategically.
We say things, buy things, cancel meetings, or show up unprepared—all without considering the consequences. We’re not anticipating what happens next. This lack of foresight is a problem. It’s an impulse control issue compounded by social media and the belief that everyone’s opinion in the moment is crucially important. The result? We end up playing checkers when we should be playing chess.
Why is Strategic Thinking So Hard?
Why is thinking strategically such a challenge while living in the now is a dopamine hit we can’t resist? Our instant-gratification culture has rewired our brains to crave immediate rewards. The thrill of notification, the satisfaction of a quick retort, or the rush of an impulsive decision can feel good at the moment, but they rarely lead to long-term success.
Thinking strategically, on the other hand, requires patience, discipline, and the ability to delay gratification. It means pausing, reflecting, and planning—skills that don’t offer the immediate payoff of a social media like or a hasty decision.
Start Thinking Five Steps Ahead
How do we shift our mindset and start thinking five steps ahead? Begin with small, deliberate changes:
Go to Bed One Hour Early and Get Up at 5 a.m. for a Week
What’s the ROI on an extra hour of sleep and an early start to your day? It’s not just about waking up early; it’s about creating space to think, plan, and set your intentions before the world demands your attention.Clean Out Your Fridge and Meal Plan for the Week
This isn’t just about being organized. It’s about reducing decision fatigue and ensuring that you have the energy to tackle bigger challenges. What’s the ROI? Better health, clearer thinking, and more time to focus on what really matters.Prepare for Meetings with Purpose
For your next leadership team meeting, create a clear agenda, ask for pre-meeting feedback, and set a strong intention at the start. What’s the result? A focused, productive discussion that moves the team forward instead of wandering through tangents and wasted time.
Apply Strategic Thinking in All Areas
We use this approach in our family, too. With young adult children starting their careers, we talk about things like maximizing contributions to their retirement accounts. Then, we discuss the next five moves. What does it mean for their financial future? How will these decisions impact them 10, 20, 30 years down the line? It’s all about setting the foundation now for where they want to be later.
Conclusion: Think Before You Act
The ability to look at your current situation and hold yourself accountable for where you didn’t think five steps ahead—much less five minutes—is crucial. It’s about owning up to where impulse control slipped, and consciously choosing to operate differently next time.
Before you send that late-night email, or feel compelled to call someone out, ask yourself: What’s the long-term impact? What’s the next move, and the one after that? Start playing chess with your life, your career, and your decisions. The ROI on thinking strategically is immeasurable—so let’s raise the bar, get to work, and start making moves that matter.
