GOAL SETTING
How to Leverage the Military Fabian Strategy to Reach the Top 1%
Eliminate the entry barrier by doing the unthinkable with what you already have.
Getting to the top is more complicated than it looks on Instagram. Especially when we follow a conventional path of success, we have to be patient enough for God knows how long!
An example is joining a group workout class where the trainer can’t pay close attention to you. The better option which fewer people use is hiring a personal trainer to reach the fitness goals faster.
Doing what fewer people — or even no one — do means you aren’t prone to judgments. Why?
Because if you execute an idea for the first time, is there enough claim to give a detailed analysis? No, as the concept hasn’t gone through a purification process, it still needs to filter out all the irrationalities to make it unique.
That’s why the road not taken is filled with novelty and unexpected eustress — the good kind of stress. Like you enter a new job you think you’re gonna like — that kind of pumping pressure. Or you enrol in an educational institution of your dreams — that kind of excitation stress.
The same energy radiates when you follow the Fabian Strategy — a military tactic discussed below.
What is Fabian Strategy?
If you’ve watched Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, recall how The Trident Strategy defeated The Kalakeyas.
The Fabian Strategy works similarly by attacking the enemy where he least expects it.
Definition from Wikipedia:
The Fabian strategy is a military strategy where pitched battles and frontal assaults are avoided in favour of wearing down an opponent through a war of attrition and indirection.
Hold up before you delegate me to toast your enemies or ex. The opponent here is our temptation to surrender to the external forces working against us. Some impediments are uncertainty, non-planning, resistance, self-doubt.
And the tweaking we are doing in our Fabian strategy is not to let our bad habits surge in the first place. Set up a system where the triggers don’t down you. Find an alternative by coming up with creative options.
How to apply Fabian Strategy in your life?
I use Fabian Strategy to reduce smoking — the success rate is five out of seven days. I do it by thinking of the most unthinkable way to avoid smoking without letting myself think about it. Whenever the smoking desire comes, I remind myself to be just in the present and take seven deep breaths in 60 seconds.
I also use it in my journey as a blogger by combining unrelated skills in my writing style.
You’ll see too many blokes rant about failing to find their niche. The truth is — not many people even put any effort into realising their strengths first. Your skills are what help you establish your niche. A niche will prepare you for personal branding.
For example, blogging is a challenging endeavour. I have a 5-year plan to convert it into a steady income source. But I know it’s not gonna happen if I do what everyone is doing.
In my case, I looked around the internet ( mainly Medium writers ) and found out what no one is doing to reduce the entry barrier.
I’ve found not many people display humour as I do — read the cover image caption once again, and you’ll understand. Plus, storytelling and style are what differentiates every writer. So, that’s how I am aiming to reach the top 1% on Medium.
I’m not rolling with a fixed niche. I fly where my curiosity bats.
Whenever I learn something new, I am sure I’m not the only one feeling it. Someone out there needs to get the same inspiration too, which motivates me to stay in the game.
I combine unrelated skills ( too scared to expose my secret skills, sorry ) to pitch myself as a blogger. I self-motivate every day by delivering value to you through my blogs.
Final thoughts
If you fear judgments, then doing the work in silence is the efficient approach if you have enough patience to grind without getting much appreciation.
I share my work publicly ( Medium plus Instagram combo ) because it helps with instant feedback and purposeful accountability. If you prefer the low-key path, acknowledge the reality that it will take longer when you don’t have a second objective eye to judge you.
But even if you’re planning to forage like a lone wolf, you’ll surprise the world with your achievements if you’re doing what no one is doing. And that day will count for happy tears — for you, your family, your friends, and if I helped you, then shed one on behalf of me too! Cheers!
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Sanjeev is a writer, mentor and recovering shopaholic. He writes about emotional intelligence, productivity, relationships, and practical psychology for everyday life. When he is not busy with his muse, he is sweating either in a workout or playing badminton. He is active on Instagram.
