Sometimes figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re facing a job transition, considering a new ministry opportunity, or sensing that God may be leading you in a different direction. Too often, we want to know the entire plan before taking the first step.
A couple of years ago, I read What To Do Next by Jeff Henderson, a book for anyone navigating transition or trying to discern what’s ahead. One simple idea from the book stood out to me — three action-oriented steps:
- Start where you are.
- Use what you have.
- Do what you can.
Start where you are. Don’t let fear or indecision keep you from moving forward. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers or see the entire path ahead. Begin with where you are today.
Use what you have. You probably have more resources than you realize. Think about your gifts, talents, experiences, connections, and the people around you. Consider what you can learn, books you can read, websites you can research, skills you can develop, or even resources you have saved or could earn. Take inventory of what you already have.
Do what you can. Take a step — even a small one. You don’t have to solve everything the first day. Often, we begin to see more clearly what might come next only after we take a step. Sometimes the smallest step can make the biggest difference because it gets you moving. The late Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, told about the time he was thinking about quitting his day job to start drawing. He felt like he needed to change careers, but it seemed too daunting. So he bought new drawing pens. He did nothing else that day, but that first small step snowballed.
If you’re wondering what to do next, you don’t need to know everything. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
