Have you experienced that feeling of overwhelm when trying to figure out your next step? If so, you’re not alone. Choosing what to do next can be a challenge. Why is that? There can be many reasons, including:
Finding decision-making difficult
Being unclear about the next step in a process
Having difficulty prioritizing
Feeling fearful of choosing the ‘wrong’ option
Making the next step too big
Finding it difficult to estimate how much time something will take
Having too many options
Thinking aspirationally rather than realistically
Since you might be feeling overwhelmed right now, I’m going to focus on a single idea. A while back, I saw a graphic by Liz Fosslien. She has a talent for making the complex immediately understandable. When I saw this image (see below), I thought about how it applied to next steps, especially regarding scope and what’s actually doable.
Often, when you’re thinking about what to do next, you consider everything you need to do instead of what you can realistically accomplish today. Aspirational thinking can derail your next step because your focus is too broad. You believe you can do it all right now. However, it’s only possible to accomplish a few things in a day.
How to Give Your Next Step a Reality Check
One of the best places to start when you’re trying to figure out what to do next is to acknowledge that only a small portion of what you want or need to do can happen today. That’s being realistic.
Next, select a few things you want to make progress on today. Review those options and choose one small, doable task to start with. Once that task is complete enough, move on to the next item on your list.
There’s nothing wrong with listing everything you want to do this week, month, year, or in life. However, when you want to get unstuck and take immediate action, it’s helpful to be more specific and realistic. Progress comes from narrowing your focus and managing your available time.
“Only a small portion of what you want or need to do can happen today.”
What’s Next for You?
Figuring out your next step can feel elusive at times. However, by narrowing the scope and being realistic about your available time, you can move forward with more ease. What helps you figure out what’s next? Which ideas resonate with you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
How Can I Help?
Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? Do you want to take your next step but feel stuck? I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.
Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Fill out the Contact form
Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or
Call 914-271-5673
Moving forward and getting organized are possible, especially with support.
