Plan Your Next Step
Eighteen easy tips to plan your next step, so you move forward with clarity and calm.
One step at a time. Plan, then act.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury), Mindset (Carol Dweck), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why plan the next step
Big goals feel heavy. A single next step makes action easy and calm.
Plan one.
Look at your one-year goal
Ask, what is the very next thing? Keep it simple.
Look at it.
Pick one small step
Make it so small you cannot say no. Tiny steps start momentum.
Make it small.
Set a clear date
Say, by Friday. Dates move ideas into action.
Set a date.
Decide who can help
Think of one person who can support or advise. Ask them.
Pick a helper.
Prepare what you need
List tools or information. Preparation prevents delay.
List needs.
Do the step
Do not wait for perfect timing. Start.
Start now.
Review and choose the next
After each step, pick the next. Keep a simple list.
Review.
Script: planning
My next step is to update my CV by Friday. Say it firmly.
Use it.
Script: asking
Could you give me thirty minutes of advice this week? Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: review
I finished that step, and my next is this. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Mistake: planning too many steps ahead
Plans change, so plan one or two.
Plan short.
Troubleshoot: when you feel stuck
Make the step even smaller or ask a friend for ideas. Tiny wins restart you.
Shrink it.
Troubleshoot: when fear stops you
Name the fear and take a breath. Do the step for five minutes only.
Do five minutes.
Drill: choose your next step today
Pick one step and put it in your calendar.
Pick it.
Drill: ask one person for help
Ask one person for advice on your next step.
Ask one.
Ask yourself what you want more of
Choose steps that grow your favourite parts of work.
Write three.
Ask a mentor for ideas
Fresh eyes may see paths you miss.
Ask one.
Test a small step before a big leap
Try a short course or project first.
Test small.
Write a three-month plan
Plans of three months are easy to hold.
Write one.
Example: the trial project
Mia took a small side project in design to test her interest before changing roles.
Try a side project.
Example: the shadow day
Joe shadowed a colleague for a day to see another role.
Ask to shadow.
Mistake: waiting for the perfect plan
Start with a rough plan and adjust.
Start rough.
Troubleshoot: when you feel stuck
Pick the easiest step and do it today.
Do one.
Pick one next step for each of three possible paths
Looking at three paths side by side makes it easier to choose, because you see the smallest and safest first step.
List three.
Write what you fear and what you would gain
Putting fears and gains side by side shows that the gains often outweigh the worries.
Make two columns.
Choose a step you can finish this week
A step that fits inside a week gives a quick win, and quick wins keep your confidence high.
Pick one.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“My next step is this.”
“I will do it by Friday.”
“I will ask for help.”
“I will review next week.”
“I will learn from it.”
“Step done.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Look at your goal
Pick the next step
Make it small
Set a date
Ask for help
Do it
Review
Further reading
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)
- Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury)
- Mindset (Carol Dweck)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Growing Your Career”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
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