When a company sees a decline, or even just a static year in business, they look for a strategy to improve.

Strategic planning is the first step to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

Use these 5 steps from The Book of Five Rings to improve any part of your life.

Keep in mind, if you’ve read the book (which I highly recommend) these are my interpretations, using the 5 strategic points given in the book.

It’s always good to look at something from a new perspective. Ask, ‘what if’ and ‘how else can I interpret this?’

Way (ground)

This is your starting point. What are your current strengths and weaknesses? This is where you stand right now.

Strategy (water)

Think of diving into a pool. You need to know how to swim. You should have a plan of where you’re swimming to and how long you want to be in the water. If you’re deep sea diving, you need the proper equipment and to know where you’re going. What possible dangers or pitfalls might lie ahead? Be prepared.

Homage to heaven (fire)

Respect those who have gone before you. Learn from other’s mistakes and successes. Listen to advice, study, research and make smart moves.

God (tradition — wind)

Be inspired, follow your spirit. Let yourself go-with-the-flow when the occasion calls for it. Follow tradition where it makes sense, but let yourself be guided by spirit to break the rules when necessary.

The void (that which is not)

Let go of your doubts and fears. Those are not truths. They are invisible lies that can hold you back, if you let them. You are surrounded by a field of energy at all times. Whether you charge your energy field with negativity or positivity is entirely up to you.

5 steps to achieve success:

Know what your current abilities are. Where to place your focus and what you need to work on.Make a plan. Have a goal. Be prepared.Don’t reinvent the wheel. Learn from what others have done.Listen to your heart and be open to new possibilities.Let go of fear and doubt. Don’t let what doesn’t exist in truth hold you back.