Finding Your Next Best Move in Life

In a world buzzing with demands, distractions, and endless decisions, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. We’ve all been there—paralyzed by too many choices, overwhelmed by the weight of responsibilities, and uncertain about where to begin. But what if the answer to moving forward wasn’t a five-year plan or a massive overhaul, but rather just one small, thoughtful step?

This blog unpacks the simple yet powerful idea of taking the next best step, drawn from a deeply personal and insightful podcast episode. Whether it’s about your health, relationships, work, or faith, progress doesn’t have to be monumental—it just has to be intentional.

The Power of Shrinking Your Focus

One of the most relatable struggles is decision paralysis—feeling stuck because everything feels important all at once. Whether it’s managing your career, family, health, or finances, trying to solve everything simultaneously can crush momentum.

The key? Shrink your world. Simplify your choices. Instead of worrying about everything, focus on the next most important thing. Imagine asking yourself, “What do I need to do today to make tomorrow easier?” That question alone can clear mental fog and lead to meaningful action.

Life Happens One Step at a Time

When goals feel overwhelming, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism or “all-or-nothing” thinking. The truth is, progress doesn’t come from huge leaps—it comes from consistent, small steps.

A great analogy from the episode likens this to cleaning a house: you don’t need a full day to start. Just begin with one drawer, one counter, one corner. Momentum builds naturally when you stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start doing what you can now.

Personal Stories That Resonate

Throughout the episode, real-life examples bring these lessons to life. From career stress and health setbacks to home improvement projects and spiritual growth, every story reflects a common theme: clarity comes through action.

For example, instead of obsessing over a perfect diet, Jill focused on cutting out processed foods. When the diet was in place, she shifted her attention to exercise, recognizing it as her next big opportunity for growth. This idea—solving problems one by one—shows that the next right step evolves as you do.

Applying It to Major Life Areas

To find clarity, consider dividing life into key categories: health, work, relationships, and faith. Then ask:

• What is my biggest issue in this category right now?
• What small step could I take today to improve it?

This kind of framework turns a nebulous “I want to get better” into actionable clarity. It’s not about perfect solutions. It’s about faithful next steps.

Are You Moving the Boulder or Sitting on It?

A brilliant metaphor introduced in the episode is the “boulder test.” When facing a challenge, you’re either:

1. Pushing the boulder forward (taking action),
2. Sitting on the boulder (being passive), or
3. Pushing against it (actively resisting progress).

The question becomes: which one are you? It’s a powerful way to hold yourself accountable and identify where inertia may be holding you back.

Analyzing and Breaking It Down

Problem-solving starts with diagnosis. Don’t just react—analyze. What’s going on? What is the root of the issue? What hurdles are in your way? What advantages do you have?

For instance, maybe your health challenge isn’t lack of knowledge—it’s motivation. Maybe your financial issues aren’t due to lack of income but lack of tracking. The solution might not be easy, but it becomes manageable once broken into actionable steps.

Shrink the Step If You Must—Just Don’t Quit

One golden nugget is this: if a step feels too big, cut it in half. If you planned to bike for an hour, go for 30 minutes. Still too much? Try 10. Momentum matters more than volume. It’s about consistency, not capacity.

This is how you outsmart perfectionism and build habits that stick. Shrinking the step doesn’t mean shrinking the impact—it means designing a plan you can follow reliably.

Own It and Start Now

Taking responsibility is key. Even if a problem wasn’t your fault, it’s still yours to solve. Waiting for the “right time” often leads to doing nothing. The only right time is now.

Ownership means trusting yourself, speaking positively, and believing in progress, not perfection. With each small victory, confidence grows—and so does your ability to see what comes next.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps Create Big Change

Change doesn’t require a grand vision or a perfect plan. It requires action—thoughtful, faithful, consistent action.

By focusing on your next best step instead of your next five years, you reduce overwhelm, build momentum, and discover clarity through movement. Progress is made inch by inch, moment by moment.

Start today—not because you have everything figured out, but because you’re ready to stop being stuck.