What does it mean to see the bigger picture?

Seeing the bigger picture means stepping back to understand the wider context of your work and life, so you can prioritise what truly matters instead of getting lost in the noise.

How do I clarify my long-term vision?

Start by defining what you are working towards and why. Write down your long-term goals and the kind of impact or life you want to create, then keep that vision visible.

How can I break big goals into manageable steps?

Identify the key components of your goal and list the core milestones. Focus on the next one or two steps rather than the whole journey at once.

How do I prioritise what really matters?

Ask which actions will have the greatest impact on your vision. Focus on high-value tasks and let go of low-impact busywork that drains your time and energy.

Why is sharing my vision with others helpful?

Talking through your bigger picture with family, colleagues or a coach brings fresh insight, builds alignment and creates accountability to stay on course.

How often should I review and adjust my strategy?

Check in regularly—weekly or monthly—to see if your daily actions still align with your long-term goals and adjust your plans when circumstances or priorities change.

Military Mindset

How to See the Bigger Picture and Strengthen Strategic Perspective: Mission 10/10

Sam Kinsey-Briggs

Nov 12

3 min read

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9

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Person climbing stairs with a plant on top, surrounded by storm clouds, lightning, and an arrow pointing up. Purple background, motivational theme. — Why Strategic Perspective Matters

Mission 10: See the Bigger Picture – Strategic Perspective

Welcome to Mission 10 of the Mental Fitness Battlebox series. Over the last nine missions, we’ve explored how to build resilience through strategies like momentum, purpose, and adaptability. Today, we focus on the ultimate skill for navigating life’s complexities: strategic perspective.

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught in the weeds. Seeing the bigger picture helps you prioritise, make clearer decisions, and find meaning in both work and life.

Why Strategic Perspective Matters

Strategic perspective is the ability to step back and understand the broader context of what you’re doing. It’s a resilience skill rooted in clarity, self-leadership, and purpose. Research shows that taking a wider view reduces stress, improves decision-making, and fosters a greater sense of control (Psychological Science, 2021).

The benefits of seeing the bigger picture:

Prioritisation

You focus on high-impact actions and stop wasting energy on the noise.

Collaboration

A shared vision makes it easier for teams, and families, to work together.

Resilience

When you understand what really matters, setbacks lose their sting.

Sam’s Story: Big Picture Thinking in High-Pressure Roles

For Sam Kinsey-Briggs, strategic perspective was essential during her time working in private offices. Managing multiple workstreams meant constantly zooming out to see how each task aligned with wider goals.

“In private offices, the stakes were high, and there were countless demands on the team’s time and attention. It was easy to get bogged down in the details, but success depended on stepping back and understanding how each workstream fit into the larger vision. That’s when I realised how critical it was to see the bigger picture—it wasn’t just about doing the work; it was about delivering the right outcomes at the right time.”

Sam’s leadership style was shaped by Agile principles. Senior leaders set the direction, but teams were trusted to deliver in their own way.

“Agile taught me the importance of transparency and collaboration. When the team understood the bigger picture, they could prioritise effectively and work out the ‘how’ on their own. That balance of clarity and flexibility made all the difference in achieving our goals.”

How to Develop Strategic Perspective

Seeing the bigger picture isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily habit—one that grows stronger with use. Here’s how to practise it:

1. Clarify your vision

Define your long-term goals. What are you working towards, and why?

2. Break it down

Identify the key components of your goal. What needs to happen to get there?

3. Prioritise for impact

Focus on the few actions that will make the biggest difference.

4. Share the vision

Whether with family, colleagues, or your coach—talking it through brings clarity and fresh ideas.

5. Reflect and adjust

Check in with yourself regularly. Are your actions still aligned with your goal?

Resilience in Action: Leading with Perspective

Big picture thinking is what keeps you grounded when life gets chaotic. It helps you lead with intention, whether that’s a project team, a household, or your own personal mission.

At ACSIS Life Coaching, we believe perspective is the final, and perhaps most important, tool in your mental fitness battlebox (Resilience Agenda). It’s what transforms scattered actions into meaningful progress.

Your Mission Briefing

Today’s mission is to practise seeing the bigger picture:

Identify a current project or challenge. Write down the overall goal and key steps.
Reflect on your daily actions. Are they aligned with that goal?
Share your vision with someone else. Get a fresh view or some accountability.

You’ve completed all ten missions in the Mental Fitness Battlebox. With these tools, you’re not just surviving, you’re leading, thriving, and living with purpose.