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# Daily Lab: This is all strategy is
- URL: https://kelfordinc.com/daily-lab-this-is-all-strategy-is/
- Published: 2023-03-20T11:07:14.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-27T17:37:14.000Z
- Description: Strategy is simply the structure to work efficiently to get what you want.
- Author: Joel Kelly
- Tags: Daily Labs, strategy, structure, first principles, clarity, focus, efficiency

It’s not a wish, a hope, a problem, or a plan.

Strategy is simply the *structure* to work *efficiently* to get what you *want*.

You can’t have a strategy without a purpose, goal, or orienting problem. That’s your *want*.

You can’t have a strategy without *efficient* action—things you can do both effectively (you’re capable) and sustainably (you have the resources).

And you can’t have a strategy without a *structure*—the guidelines and principles that tell you if it’s working, and what to do next if it isn’t.

So every time you encounter the word strategy, ask yourself: does this have a clear objective or finish line? Does it contain or at least imply requirements for efficient actions? Does it have a structure to make it measurable and adaptable to circumstances?

No? Then you’re dealing with *something*, but it’s not yet a strategy.

It’s not that the word matters—call it whatever you want.

But make sure you know *what you want*.

Make sure you’re focusing on short-term effectiveness *and* long-term sustainability.

And build a structure to keep at it, so you can work at it until it works, or fix it if it doesn’t.

That’s all strategy is.

*Read more on the [meaning of strategy](https://kelfordinc.com/what-does-strategy-mean/).*