About this quote

Fighting head-on against a massive obstacle is usually just an expensive way to fail. Why waste your limited energy battering down a locked steel door when the side window is wide open? True strategy means looking for the soft spots in your problems. You win by saving your strength for the gaps and vulnerabilities where your effort actually makes a difference. Find the path of least resistance and pour your focus there.

When to use it

• Our biggest competitor owns the enterprise market, so let's not waste budget fighting them there. We should target the small local shops they completely ignore.
• Don't try to overpower their tallest defender in the air. Keep the ball on the ground and run past his slow turns.
• I am struggling with the complex math proofs, so I will master the basic formulas first to secure the easy points on the exam.
• Instead of arguing with your stubborn uncle about politics at dinner, change the subject to his favorite football team where he is always happy to chat.