Just ask yourself, “What’s the next step?” Apply that simple question to each looming challenge, whether in the short- or long-term.

Here’s an easy example: What’s the next step to buying the perfect present for your upcoming anniversary? You may think it’s heading to the store. Make it simpler.  It might be to figure out how much you should spend – and what’s the next step to determine that? (Look at your checking account balance or last month’s credit card bill…) Or maybe it’s doing some quick market research at home to learn what would really make your spouse happy this year? When you’re ready to shop, where will you go: online or to the car?

The same idea works with work projects. When you’re in another of those endless, meaningless meetings, help the team cut to the chase by posing the question – “What’s the next step?”

In a conversation with a friend who tends to talk in circles, chasing the tail of negative complaints, take them to the bottom line. “Where can your next step forward take you?” 

The smaller you define it, the sooner that “next step” can happen and the further down the road you’ll be able to see toward accomplishing your goal. What ideas does this give you and who will hold you accountable? Comment here with your “next steps” – I look forward to seeing where they take you!