The above is one of the most powerful tools I know of getting things done and in actual fact it is something we all use naturally prior to taking considered action.
We fail to use NST when we procrastinate and it is one of the most effect methods I know for freeing up the log jams that so frequently prevent us from carrying tasks and projects forward.
Basically all you have to do is ask yourself (or others) ‘So, what’s the next step’? You see, so often we daunt ourselves by seeing our tasks and projects in their entirety. The impact of this on the mind is that often we are overwhelmed by the entirety and perceived scale of the work that lies before us.
The important thing for you to understand is from this blog entry is that the reality is that no matter how complex the task or project we can only complete it one step at a time. The solution then is simple and its just to identify that next straightforward step. If you want to be really elegant and make this the powerful time management tool it deserves to be then figure out when you’ll take the step and who will take it.
But don’t let me overcomplicate this for you, this simple process will transform the way you take things forward and if you use it with others in meetings etc. you will find yourself swiftly cutting through the chit chat and rapidly identifying decisive actions that will move you and others towards the achievement of specific outcomes and objectives.
So in a nutshell allow yourself and others the time to do the ‘necessary thinking’ (frequently shown as constructive debate in group situations). And at the appropriate moment try and be the one that focuses the ‘necessary thinking’ by asking the question of yourself and everybody else present “So, what’s the next step”? Do this and I promise you that you and everyone else that is involved will be polarised into determining the very next action you need to take. This will create the vital ingredient of momentum and having figured out how to free up your log jam you should see your tasks and projects unstuck and moving forward in a free flowing style.
So what do we do once this step is complete? We simply repeat the process and again ask ourselves “So, what’s the next step”? The trick (unless it’s absolutely necessary) is to avoid establishing too many steps in advance as this inevitably leads to our working in theory and often to making plans that just do not stand up once we execute them in the real world. Although the two quotations below are ancient the people who wrote them will surely have known the secret I have shared with you above:
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step”
“Men make plans and God laughs”