The Next Right Thing

1. Do the Next Right Thing: A Simple Practice for Decision-Making

"The decision is rarely the point. The point is you becoming more fully yourself in the presence of God."

Simplify decision-making by focusing on the next right step. This approach reduces overwhelming choices to manageable actions, aligning with Jesus' teachings. He often gave simple, clear instructions after performing miracles, emphasizing the importance of small, immediate actions.

Embrace the process of decision-making as a way to grow closer to God and discover your true self. Rather than fixating on outcomes, concentrate on the journey of becoming. This shift in perspective can alleviate anxiety and foster personal growth.

Practice presence in decision-making by:

• Creating space for reflection
• Listening to your inner voice
• Seeking God's guidance in everyday moments
• Taking small, intentional steps forward

2. Become a Soul Minimalist: Clear the Clutter to Find Clarity

"We are naturally complex creatures, made up of various systems: nervous, circulatory, digestive—not to mention the relationships, emotions, dreams, hurts, and desires that also shape us."

Declutter your soul to create space for clarity and peace. Just as physical clutter can overwhelm our living spaces, mental and emotional clutter can cloud our judgment and hinder decision-making.

Practice soul minimalism by:

• Identifying and releasing unnecessary mental burdens
• Cultivating silence and stillness in your daily routine
• Limiting external inputs that don't align with your values
• Regularly assessing and pruning commitments and relationships

By simplifying your inner world, you create room for what truly matters, allowing for clearer discernment in life's choices and a deeper connection with God.

3. Name the Narrative: Acknowledge Your Story and God's Presence

"Knowing people begins with knowing their name. In her book Walking on Water, Madeleine L'Engle says 'our names are part of our wholeness. To be given a name is an act of intimacy as powerful as any act of love.'"

Recognize your story's power in shaping your decisions and perceptions. By naming and acknowledging the narratives that drive your life, you gain insight into your motivations and fears.

Embrace God's presence in your personal narrative. Understanding that He is actively involved in your story can provide comfort and guidance in decision-making. This awareness allows you to:

• Identify and challenge false narratives about yourself and God
• Cultivate a more authentic relationship with God and others
• Make decisions from a place of truth rather than fear or misconception

Practice naming by:

• Journaling about significant life events and their impact
• Sharing your story with trusted friends or mentors
• Reflecting on how God has been present in different chapters of your life

4. Look for Arrows: Follow Subtle Guidance in Life's Journey

"God often gives a faint vision of things before they ever come to be. It's not a full form, more of a shadow, not focused or clear. It doesn't come with steps or money or sure things, but it does come with hope."

Seek subtle guidance in your life's journey, recognizing that God often leads through gentle nudges rather than clear-cut directions. These "arrows" can come in various forms:

• Recurring themes or ideas
• Unexpected opportunities
• Inner promptings or intuitions
• Words of wisdom from others

Cultivate attentiveness to recognize these arrows in your daily life. This practice involves:

• Developing a habit of reflective prayer
• Journaling to track patterns and insights
• Discussing your observations with trusted advisors

Trust the process of following these arrows, even when the destination isn't clear. Remember that God's guidance often unfolds gradually, requiring patience and faith as you take each step forward.

5. Be a Beginner: Embrace New Experiences with Humility

"Just because you feel unsettled doesn't mean you're not a content person. It doesn't mean you're selfish or scattered or that you just need to be more thankful."

Embrace the beginner's mindset in new situations and transitions. Recognize that feeling like a novice is not a weakness but an opportunity for growth and learning.

Cultivate humility by:

• Acknowledging what you don't know
• Asking questions without fear of judgment
• Seeking guidance from those with more experience
• Celebrating small victories and progress

Reframe challenges as opportunities for personal development. Instead of focusing on your limitations, view each new experience as a chance to expand your skills and understanding.

6. Know What You Want More: Align Decisions with True Desires

"Knowing what you want is valuable in all stages of the decision-making process—before, during, and after."

Identify your true desires to make more authentic decisions. This process involves:

• Reflecting on what brings you genuine joy and fulfillment
• Distinguishing between societal expectations and personal aspirations
• Considering long-term satisfaction over short-term gratification

Practice self-awareness by:

• Journaling about your dreams and goals
• Discussing your aspirations with trusted friends or mentors
• Regularly reassessing your priorities and values

Align choices with desires by:

• Evaluating decisions based on how they contribute to your deeper wants
• Being willing to say no to opportunities that don't resonate with your true self
• Courageously pursuing paths that align with your authentic desires, even if they're unconventional

7. Make the Most Important List: Reflect on Life-Giving Activities

"Making the most important list is a data-collecting practice, a process of becoming curious. You're waking up from the autopilot way of doing life."

Create a Life Energy List to identify activities and commitments that energize or drain you. This practice helps you make more intentional decisions about how you spend your time and energy.

Implement the Life Energy List by:

• Choosing a specific category (e.g., relationships, work, hobbies) and time frame
• Listing activities that were life-giving and life-draining during that period
• Reflecting on patterns and insights that emerge from your list

Use your insights to:

• Prioritize life-giving activities in your schedule
• Minimize or eliminate unnecessarily draining commitments
• Make more informed decisions about future opportunities

8. Quit Something: Create Space for What Truly Matters

"Sometimes saying no is your only gateway to the world of your most meaningful yes."

Embrace the power of quitting to create space for what truly matters in your life. Recognize that letting go of certain commitments, habits, or pursuits can be a positive and necessary step toward growth and fulfillment.

Identify candidates for quitting by:

• Assessing activities that consistently drain your energy
• Evaluating commitments that no longer align with your values or goals
• Recognizing areas where you're holding onto past versions of yourself

Practice intentional quitting by:

• Setting clear boundaries around your time and energy
• Communicating your decisions respectfully to others involved
• Celebrating the newfound space and opportunities that arise from letting go

Remember that quitting isn't about failure, but about making room for what's most important in your life and aligning your actions with your true priorities.

9. Stay in Today: Focus on the Present Moment

"When I am constantly in motion, my body rehearses anxiety rather than practicing the unforced rhythms of grace."

Cultivate present-moment awareness to reduce anxiety and make more grounded decisions. This practice helps you avoid getting lost in future worries or past regrets, allowing you to focus on what you can control right now.

Implement present-focused strategies by:

• Practicing mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Engaging fully in current tasks without multitasking
• Noticing and appreciating small details in your environment

Reframe future concerns by asking:

• "Is this happening today?"
• "What is one small step I can take right now?"
• "How can I be fully present in this moment?"

By staying grounded in today, you can make decisions from a place of clarity and peace rather than anxiety about the unknown future.

10. Gather Co-Listeners: Seek Support in Decision-Making

"I'm convinced God is less interested in where we end up than he is in who we are becoming."

Create a support system of trusted individuals who can listen and provide insight during your decision-making process. These "co-listeners" offer a valuable perspective and emotional support as you navigate challenging choices.

Identify potential co-listeners who:

• Know you well and have your best interests at heart
• Can offer diverse perspectives and experiences
• Are good at asking thoughtful questions rather than just giving advice

Engage with co-listeners by:

• Sharing your thoughts and feelings openly
• Asking for their observations and insights
• Remaining open to new perspectives while staying true to your own intuition

Remember that the goal of gathering co-listeners is not to delegate your decision but to gain clarity and support as you discern your next right step.

11. Come Home to Yourself: Embrace Your True Identity

"It's a wild and wonderful thing to bump into someone and realize it's you."

Reconnect with your authentic self by recognizing and embracing your unique qualities, values, and desires. This process of "coming home" to yourself is crucial for making decisions that align with who you truly are.

Practice self-discovery through:

• Reflecting on moments when you felt most like yourself
• Identifying core values that guide your decisions
• Exploring activities that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment

Cultivate self-acceptance by:

• Acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses
• Letting go of unrealistic expectations or comparisons to others
• Celebrating your unique journey and experiences

As you become more comfortable with your true self, you'll find it easier to make decisions that honor your authentic identity and lead to greater fulfillment.

12. Expect to Be Surprised: Remain Open to Unexpected Blessings

"We can be so busy willing airplanes to stay in the sky that we miss what's happening right outside the window."

Cultivate an attitude of openness to unexpected blessings and opportunities. While planning and preparation are important, remain flexible and attentive to the surprising ways God may work in your life.

Practice expectant living by:

• Noticing and appreciating small moments of beauty or kindness
• Staying curious about new experiences and perspectives
• Reframing challenges as potential opportunities for growth

Balance planning with spontaneity by:

• Setting goals while remaining open to alternative paths
• Embracing detours and unexpected turns in your journey
• Trusting that even unplanned events can lead to meaningful outcomes

Remember that some of life's most profound moments and opportunities may come in unexpected packages. By maintaining an open and grateful heart, you position yourself to receive and recognize these surprises as they unfold.

Last updated: September 13, 2024