Principle #5. The Next Action Method

Free Course: Peak Performance Principles Principle #5. The Next Action Method

Think about the last time you had something crucially important to do, but got stuck in a loop of procrastination… What kept you from taking action?

Often, we procrastinate because we’re overwhelmed + unclear about the goal or project we’ve got in front of us.

We think about EVERYTHING that goes into getting to the finish line.

We think about EVERYTHING we need to do to accomplish the goal or project.

Then we start doubting ourselves:

“It’s too big.”

“It’s too vague.”

“It’s too complex.”

“It’s too scary.”

“It’s more than I can handle.”

“It’s just too much to deal with right now.”

These are some seriously demotivating thoughts…

It’s the kind of self-dialogue that can send you straight down Procrastination Avenue (right at the intersection of Overwhelm Drive and Rabbit Hole Road).

Wanna know how to overcome it and start taking action?

Use the Next Action Method:

Figure out the very next doable action you can take to move the ball forward—be it a task, a project, a phone call, or whatever else. Usually, that means chunking it down until it’s small enough for you to do.

Actionable insights:
How to use the Next Action Method

The rationale behind the next action method is simple: When you do something your mind perceives as doable, your energy goes up, and your sense of direction and drive increase dramatically. This clears the way for you to overcome procrastination and start taking action. So next time you’re feeling stuck, use the Next Action Method to get unstuck.

Here’s how:

1. Think of something you’ve been procrastinating.

Think of a project or task you’re procrastinating on… Like finishing a presentation for work, or shipping a new product. Take a moment to focus on how it makes you feel when you think about having to work on that presentation or product. Think about all the work involved… How does it make you feel? Overwhelmed? Afraid? Incapable?

2. Make it doable.

Now, shift your focus to one simple thing you can do right away to move this thing closer to completion. Think of just one single, simple, small, and DOABLE action you can take right away to get it even the tiniest bit closer to DONE. Even if it’s something that barely moves the needle. Doing something is better than doing nothing. For example, maybe you need to google some images to include in your presentation—that’s doable, right?

3.
Make it your next action.

Did you identify a doable action you can take today? If yes, I’m sending virtual high-fives your way! Now, you’ve got your Next Action—something small, specific, and simple you can do within the next 24 hours to make progress on your goal or project.

Bottom line

Next time you find yourself going into procrastination, pause for sec. Then figure out the next specific action you’re willing and able to take in order to move yourself closer to completion… Then do it. Even if it’s something as small as opening PowerPoint and naming your presentation. Even if it’s just doing 3 pushups. It may not seem like much, but it’s something—and you can build from that.