SWOT Analysis And Fear

A SWOT Analysis, SWOT stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a popular tool use to evaluate the validity of a business or project, of course the tool can be used on a personal level to make sure that you are moving in the direction of your goals and dreams and not floundering about aimlessly. The value of a SWOT, is that gives a clearer picture of where you are and allows you to address and plan for road blocks and obstacles that may prevent overall success. The key to performing an effective analysis is honestly and self knowledge and courage. Many people and therefore organizations, never really think about there strengths, and they are afraid to admit their weakness, therefore they often over focus on weakness and threats. The key to an effective SWOT is being keening aware of the strengths, so you can better match up those strengths with the available and creatable opportunities. This is a formula for increased confidence and superior positioning. Looking objectively at one's business of self always provides opportunities for growth and success.

Analysis Paralysis is often the side effect of any strategic planning method. Some people have a uncanny ability to analyze things and that is a great skill to have, however, society has placed such an emphasis on what might go wrong, losing, not making mistakes and blaming, that many people and businesses over analyze and end up not doing much of anything. The result is stagnation, lack of innovation, procrastination, missed opportunities and eventually failure. it has been said that the purpose of being in business is to make money and indeed making a profit is necessary, however, one can make profit in one area, increase dollars while they are losing in other  areas that can be more detrimental in the long run. Most up and down in life are cyclical, so when a business or individual loses focus on their strengths due to over analyzing a threat, the long term result is always lost opportunities.

Focus On What You Want! Planning is a good thing. Being prepared is a great thing1 But often many people overlook some very simple keys to success and prosperity. There is a Bible verse that says:

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

By focusing on your strengths, after you identify them, allows one to stay in the moment and not get to distracted to what might happen. Focusing on what outcome you desire aligns you with others that are seeking the same desire. confidence, without arrogance, provides increase strength, clearer thinking and fearless drive to success that is often a Win-Win for everyone.