A strategy will define the approach to achieving your needs but considered in the context of the bigger picture (e.g., personal life, business life, social life)  over specified time horizons (e.g., immediate, mid and long term).

Your strategy defines the top-level goal (e.g., obtain a post-secondary education) at a conceptual level  including what are the key objectives (e.g., type of education, cost considerations, quality expectations, etc) over a specified time frame (e.g., the next 1 to 5 years.)

Just Do It

Often strategies are considered a waste of time.  Why spend time figuring out the future when I can just plunge in.  Of course, often hindsight raises its ugly head and we wonder if we could have made better choices.

Well thought out strategies define our expectations but more importantly the supporting rationale for them.  Contemplation now can avoid pain later.

How to Get There

The strategy is directional.  It includes not only the objective but the key attributes of it.  These can be easily used to develop the actions that need to be undertaken to meet those goals (e.g., acquiring funds, educational pre-requisites,  health considerations )

Strategies help us avoid figuring things out on the fly, always fun but not always effective.  Making it up as we go along can be invigorating but also lead to regrets.

Flexible

Most importantly, treat your strategy as flexible.  Things change both for you personally and environmentally.  As the context changes so should the strategy.

Without a strategy, I wish you good luck.  With a strategy, luck is not needed. your success is planned.