Just start where you are ...

Just start where you are and take the next right action...is an excellent mantra for personal and business growth. It emphasizes the importance of being present and not getting overwhelmed by the entirety of a journey or a significant goal. Starting where you are is acknowledging one's current state without judgment. It's a call to realistically assess your immediate situation and capabilities and then make a purposeful move toward your goal. However small that move might be.

Taking the next right action is about making a decision that aligns with your values, goals, and available information. It suggests that progress often comes from consistent, incremental steps rather than grand, sweeping leaps. It's like running a marathon; you focus on one stride at a time, one mile at a time, rather than 26.2 miles at once.

This approach is supported by research into goal setting and achievement. Studies show that breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones makes them less daunting and increases the likelihood of completion. Furthermore, this step-by-step progress provides a series of accomplishments that can boost confidence and motivation over time.

There's a story that illustrates this point well. It's about a renowned artist who created massive, intricate sculptures. When asked how he tackled such complex projects, he replied that he simply began with the part of the stone closest to him and removed everything that wasn't part of the sculpture. His method focused on the immediate action he could take rather than getting overwhelmed by the scale of the finished piece.

Likewise, the "next right action" philosophy encourages a present-focused, actionable approach to personal growth or leading others. Given new information or circumstances, it allows adaptability because today's "right" action might differ from what's right tomorrow. This is crucial because, as humans, we grow, and our circumstances change; thus, our strategies and actions must evolve.

So, in practice, this mantra is a reminder to keep grounded in the present, make continuous, aligned efforts, and trust that these efforts will accumulate and lead you where you want to go. Whether you're developing a new skill, coaching someone to reach their potential, or even pairing a unique wine with a dish you've just learned to cook, the principle remains the same: start with what's in front of you and take the right action!

Joshua