Upgrade Your Strategic Mindset
Think Like a Grandmaster
by Alexander Kotov
Strategy
TL;DR
This book is your ultimate guide to leveling up your decision-making game by forcing you to deeply analyze every possible move before you commit. It's all about proactive planning, identifying potential screw-ups before they happen, and exploiting weaknesses in any situation. You'll learn to generate multiple options, calculate their consequences like a human supercomputer, and stick to a solid plan to avoid looking like a clown when things get real.
Action Items
Before making any decision today, big or small, force yourself to list at least three alternative options, even if they seem ridiculous.
For one important decision you need to make, write down at least two potential outcomes (good and bad) for each of your top two options.
For a task you need to complete today, identify one potential obstacle and proactively plan a solution for it.
In a social interaction or work situation, try to identify what the other person's main goal or potential concern might be.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Generating Your Options (aka Candidate Moves)
Ever feel like you're just reacting to life, like a squirrel dodging traffic? This book drops the bomb that you gotta generate options, not just wait for them. It's about actively brainstorming all the possible "moves" you could make in any situation, no matter how wild. Think of it like swiping through all your dating app matches before picking one, instead of just settling for the first person who texts back. Don't just see one path; create five. This helps you avoid tunnel vision and spot hidden opportunities or, more importantly, dodge massive screw-ups. It's about being proactive, not just a passenger in your own life.
Key Methods and Approaches
Your Brain's "What If" Generator
(AKA: Candidate Moves)
Description:
Don't just pick the first idea that pops into your head. Brainstorm all the possible moves, even the stupid ones.
Explanation:
Imagine you're trying to decide what to eat. Instead of just grabbing the first thing in the fridge, you scroll through Uber Eats, check your pantry, consider cooking, or even hitting up that sketchy taco truck. You're generating "candidate moves." This stops you from making a rash decision and regretting it later, like that time you dated your ex.
Examples:
Thinking of quitting your job? List out all the options: ask for a raise, look for a new job, start a side hustle, take a sabbatical, or just suck it up for another year.
Got a fight with your bestie? Don't just ghost them. Consider apologizing, explaining your side, giving space, or even just sending a funny meme to break the ice.
Trying to save money? List every single expense you could cut, from daily coffees to that monthly subscription you forgot about.
Today's Action:
Before making any decision today, big or small, force yourself to list at least three alternative options, even if they seem ridiculous.
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