Some time ago I was working with a client who had an epiphany by learning something so simple. Sometimes the simplest ideas make a world of difference in our lives. So in this post, I would like to share with you the knowledge that I transferred to her that day. Perhaps this could be one of those things that will make a world of difference in your life!
My former client is a small business owner, who, when she first started working with me, was overwhelmed by paper and “to-do’s”. At times she would feel so inundated that she didn’t know where to begin. Even after implementing systems to manage filing and follow-up items, she occasionally would suffer from meltdowns. What was causing such strain for her?
My client was trying to think too much about what eventually had to be done with each of these items (tasks, projects). She couldn’t see past the big picture to focus on the small steps needed to get there. It all seemed like so much that just looking at it froze her.
When we discovered that this was the main issue, I suggested to her that when addressing her tasks, projects, and “to-do’s”, to always ask herself, “What is the next step?” Less than a week after that day I received this message from her:
“I feel so empowered now. The realization of “What is the next step?” has been key for me. Everything fell into place once that sunk in. I have been working on projects and getting things done that have been plaguing me in the back of my mind for weeks and months. It feels so good to have a bit of control over my attention and space now. I can’t express to you how amazing it feels to be in that position.”
So how can you apply this simple idea? Here are a couple simple solutions that you can choose to implement part or all of:
1. When addressing a new task, project, or “to-do”, ask yourself:
- “What is the very next step?” And…
- “When will I work on the next step?”
2. Add a reminder to your tickler file or planner about that next step on the specific day you chose to work on the step. Then when you come to the day you chose (in your tickler file or planner), you will quickly be able to see what the next step is, and you’ll be less likely to be overwhelmed by the size of the project.
