Absorb almost everything, filter almost everything
One great trait of effective strategists? They absorb almost everything, and filter almost everything. This resolves a few things:
It helps you consume what’s timeless but also timely, without feeling weird about it.
It reminds you it’s ok to read about niche things as long as you tie them to fundamentals.
It ensures that you stick to clear stories instead of complicated yet clever ones.
This last one I’ve been guilty of many times, and I'm forever working on it. There’s just too much my brain finds fascinating. But here’s a trick to know if you’re filtering things properly.
Say your argument out loud.
The amount of times something felt right on paper, and then as soon as I said it in a review it felt superfluous… I’ve lost count. But switching media – written, verbal, docs, decks – is one of the most powerful tools we can use. It helps us absorb the world and only keep the important parts in.
