Reflective Journal: My First Strategy Learnings
The single biggest source of wasted effort I see in beginners learning strategy is rushing to answer questions without pausing to understand what they’ve actually learned. Too many skip reflection, treating analysis as a task to complete rather than a process to internalize. The small shift that eliminates this waste is simply dedicating 10 minutes after each exercise to write down: what surprised me, what felt difficult, and how this changes how I see business.
This is not a test. It’s a personal learning record — a space to think like a strategist, not just a student. You’re not being graded. You’re building a mindset. This reflective journal exercise helps you turn raw insights into lasting understanding, so that next time you spot a new competitor or feel pressure from buyers, you recognize the pattern — not just the symptom.
Approach each prompt with honesty. Don’t worry about perfect grammar. Focus on clarity and truth. The goal is self-awareness, not formality. You’ll be amazed how much more you retain when you write down your thoughts in your own words.
Beginner Journal Exercise: Reflect on Your Strategy Journey
1. What surprised you most about how competition works?
Think about the five forces. Which one challenged your assumptions? Did you expect suppliers to have more power than you thought? Or that substitutes could be just as dangerous as new entrants?
Write down one thing you discovered that contradicted your initial belief. Be specific. Mention a real example from your mini project or exercise.
2. When did you feel stuck — and how did you push through?
Every analysis has moments of uncertainty. Maybe you couldn’t decide whether buyer power was high or low. Perhaps you weren’t sure if a substitute was truly viable.
Describe the obstacle. What did you do? Did you re-read a definition? Go back to the checklist? Talk through it with someone? The goal is not to find the perfect answer — it’s to identify your thinking process.
3. What does this analysis teach you about how real businesses survive?
Profit isn’t just about sales. It’s about positioning. It’s about control — over suppliers, pricing, and customer loyalty.
Based on your Five Forces table, write one sentence on how a business might stay profitable in this market. Use terms like “barriers to entry,” “buyer power,” or “substitute threat” to show you’re thinking like a strategist.
4. How has your view of business changed since starting this workbook?
Before this, did you see businesses as just selling things? Now, do you see them as players in a system of forces? Are you more aware of how their environment shapes their decisions?
Write a short paragraph comparing how you thought about markets before and how you think about them now. Be concrete. Mention a particular industry or business you now see differently.
5. What’s one strategy adjustment you’d recommend to a small business based on your analysis?
Don’t just say “improve customer service.” Be specific. Use your findings:
- If buyer power is high, suggest creating loyalty programs or bundling services.
- If new entrants are a threat, recommend building brand loyalty or locking in customers through contracts.
- If substitutes are strong, suggest differentiating your product through unique features or experience.
Frame your recommendation as if you’re advising a real business owner. Use your own analysis as evidence.
6. What’s the one thing you’ll remember from this experience?
This is your takeaway — the core insight that will stay with you. It could be a realization, a habit, or a new way of looking at the world.
Write it as a single sentence. Make it personal. Make it true. This is your learning reflection worksheet in action.
Your Personal Learning Record: A Tool for Growth
Every time you complete an analysis, keep this reflective journal exercise updated. It becomes your personal learning record — a living document that tracks your growth in strategic thinking.
When you return to this page in a few months, you’ll see how much sharper your instincts have become. You’ll notice patterns: you used to miss buyer power. Now you see it in every app you use. You used to think competition was just about price. Now you see it in branding, convenience, and trust.
Use this table to track your progress across different industries or projects.
| Project / Industry | Biggest Insight | Challenge Faced | Key Adjustment Suggested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Coffee Shop | Buyer power is high due to low switching cost | Struggled to define “substitute” beyond tea | Loyalty program to reduce churn |
| Streaming Services | Substitute threat is dominant — users can cancel anytime | Thought new entrants were the main threat | Invest in exclusive content to increase switching cost |
| Fast-Food Restaurant | Competitive rivalry is high due to low differentiation | Didn’t see how supplier contracts affect margins | Negotiate bulk supply deals to reduce input costs |
Fill in this table after each major project. Use it to compare, contrast, and grow.
Why This Matters: The Real Power of Reflection
Analysis without reflection is memory without meaning. You can memorize the five forces, but unless you connect them to your own thinking, they remain abstract.
Reflection turns insight into identity. When you write about what surprised you, you’re not just reviewing content — you’re building a mental model of how strategy works. Over time, this becomes instinct.
Even experienced analysts use personal learning records. They jot down lessons after meetings, project reviews, or client presentations. This beginner journal exercise gives you that same habit — starting now, with real depth and purpose.
You’re not just learning how to analyze a market. You’re learning how to think like a business leader — one honest, reflective step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my reflection take?
Start with 10 minutes. That’s enough to write clearly. If you’re still thinking after 15 minutes, stop. You’ve learned what you need to. Quality matters more than length.
Can I use this for a class assignment?
Absolutely. This reflective journal exercise is designed for both personal growth and academic use. Many educators use it to assess not just understanding, but also critical thinking and self-awareness.
Do I need to write in full sentences?
No. Use short phrases, bullet points, or even mind maps if that helps you think. The goal is clarity — not formality. Use your own language.
What if I don’t have a business to analyze yet?
Use everyday examples: your school cafeteria, a grocery store, a public transit system. The forces apply everywhere. You’re not analyzing for profit — you’re analyzing for insight.
How often should I do this journal exercise?
After every analysis. Whether it’s a class exercise, a project, or a real-world decision, reflection cements learning. Make it a habit — like reviewing notes after class.
Can I share my personal learning record with someone?
Yes — but only if you’re comfortable. Sharing can deepen understanding, especially in group learning. Just remember: your insights are yours. Your record, your rules.
