"In strategy we must despise all enemies, in tactics we must take all enemies seriously. That is to say, we must despise it as a whole, and we must take it seriously on every specific issue." —— Mao Zedong (1958)

For detailed original work references, see original-texts.md

• The task can be completed within the current session — no phased strategy is required, finish it directly
• The user only needs the execution result of a specific step
• The problem already has a clear solution, only execution is missing — use

  concentrate-forces

  to complete it centrally
• You are in the specific execution phase of a certain stage, no need to re-evaluate the strategy

• Facing a complex task that obviously requires a long time to complete
• Currently at a disadvantage (insufficient resources, insufficient information, temporary lack of capacity)
• Encountered a bottleneck during task execution, feel anxious or want to give up
• Need to plan a phased promotion strategy
• Others urge quick completion, but you judge that it cannot be achieved rapidly
• Need to continue advancing while preserving strength

"Whether the subjective guidance is correct or not... affects the victory or defeat of the war."—— On Protracted War

• Currently available resources, capabilities, information
• Achieved results and progress
• Existing weaknesses and deficiencies

• Overall scale and difficulty of the task
• Foreseeable difficulties and obstacles
• Favorable conditions and opportunities

Oppose both the "theory of national subjugation" and the "theory of quick victory"—— On Protracted War

• Performance of quick victory theory: "This is very simple, it can be done right away" "Work harder and finish it in one go"
• Performance of pessimism: "This is too complicated, it can't be done" "This is beyond the scope of ability"
• Correct attitude: "This requires persistent effort, but it can be completed in the end. The key is to advance in stages."

Strategic defense → Strategic stalemate → Strategic counteroffensive—— On Protracted War

• Goal: Gain a firm foothold, preserve strength, accumulate knowledge
• Method: Investigation and research (

  investigation-first

  ), establish basic cognition
• Mentality: Do not be eager for quick success, allow "concession" to preserve strength
• Key action: Do small feasible tasks, accumulate first-hand experience

• Goal: Gradually accumulate advantages, wait for the turning point
• Method: Accumulate small wins into big victories, concentrate forces on each specific issue (

  concentrate-forces

  )
• Mentality: Be patient, this is "the most difficult period, yet it is the hub of transformation"
• Key action: Continue advancing, do not be discouraged by slow progress

• Goal: Leverage accumulated advantages to advance comprehensively
• Method: Attack decisively when conditions are ripe
• Mentality: Confident but not careless
• Key action: Identify turning points and seize opportunities

"Seek tactical offense in strategic defense"—— On Protracted War

• It is a protracted war at the strategic level, seek quick decisions at the tactical level
• Concentrate forces to complete each specific small task quickly
• Accumulate confidence and advantages with one small victory after another

"The second stage... is the hub of transformation"—— On Protracted War

• Is the accumulated knowledge sufficient?
• Are resources and capabilities already in place?
• Are external conditions already ripe?
• Have the main obstacles been eliminated?

"The decisive factor is man, not material things"—— On Protracted War

• Maintain a positive attitude and active spirit
• Do not be overwhelmed by temporary difficulties
• Take advantage of all favorable conditions
• Create favorable situations from adversity

1. Determine the current stage (must explicitly choose one):

   • Strategic Defense Period

     : The goal is clear but capacity/resources are temporarily insufficient, need to accumulate first

   • Strategic Stalemate Period

     : Already have a certain foundation, accumulating advantages, waiting for the turning point

   • Strategic Counteroffensive Period

     : Conditions are ripe, can advance comprehensively
2. Fill in the stage assessment form:

   Current Stage: [Strategic Defense/Stalemate/Counteroffensive]
   Judgment Basis: ……
   
   Our Advantages: ……
   Our Disadvantages: ……
   Key Obstacles: ……
   
   Core Task of This Stage (1 item): ……
   Prohibited Items in This Stage: …… (Prevent the theory of quick victory or pessimism)
   
   Conditions for Transition to the Next Stage: When [specific conditions] are met, transition to [next stage]

3. During the defense/stalemate period, a "local attack point" must be provided at the same time: That is, when the whole is in the accumulation stage, which specific small problem can be solved immediately by concentrating forces (invoke

   concentrate-forces

   ).
4. Set stage checkpoints: Clearly state "After completing [specific milestone], re-invoke this skill to evaluate the stage".

• Contradiction analysis method: Need to analyze the main contradiction when assessing the situation
• Concentrate forces: Concentrate on solving the main problem in each stage
• A single spark can start a prairie fire: The "establish base areas" action in the first stage echoes this skill
• Practice epistemology: Each stage is a cycle of practice-cognition
• Overall planning: Resource allocation among the three stages needs overall planning