SWOT Analysis, or Where am I now?

One of the most important factors in success is starting. If your goals are simple then you can just proceed. If your goals are a little more complex, then it is a good idea to do an assessment of your current circumstances. That way, you can figure out the difference between where you are and where you want to be, and design a plan to bridge that gap.

A SWOT analysis is a tool that allows you to assess your current situation. A SWOT analysis can apply to an individual or an organization. A SWOT analysis is a list that breaks down like this:

Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

Strengths and weaknesses are internal. Your strengths are the the things that you or your organization are good, or even great, at. These are things you can do without any outside help. Your weaknesses are problem areas. Weaknesses are things that can interfere with your progress, or things that you might need to get outside assistance for.

Opportunities and threats are external. They are all the circumstances, people, and issues that will either help you bridge the gap or keep you from doing so.

The whole point of this exercise is to help you focus your efforts. Creating a SWOT analysis allows you to evaluate yourself and your environment. It can help you figure out if you will be able to achieve a goal on your own, or if you may need some assistance. It helps you to leverage your strengths and opportunities, and mitigate your weaknesses and threats. Because of this, it is a good place to start.