Episode 246

246 - Findging Your Next Best Step

In this episode, the discussion centers around how to move forward when life feels overwhelming. The episode challenges the belief that progress requires grand plans and instead introduces a gentler, more effective approach: identifying and taking the next best step. Through practical advice and relatable stories, we explore how small, faithful actions can lead to transformative results.

Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue

The episode opens by recognizing how overwhelming modern life can feel. With too many choices and responsibilities, our minds get clouded. The key is learning how to shrink our focus and think clearly about just one thing: what’s next?

The Power of Categories

By dividing life into areas like health, work, faith, and relationships, it’s easier to pinpoint where we’re stuck and what small action would bring the most relief or momentum.

Progress vs. Perfection

A powerful reminder: you don’t need to have a perfect plan. The goal is to start making progress—no matter how small. Perfectionism can often be disguised procrastination.

The Boulder Analogy

Are you moving the boulder, sitting on it, or pushing back? This metaphor helps listeners identify their role in solving (or avoiding) the challenges in front of them.

Analyze, Own, and Start Now

Listeners are guided to analyze their problems, identify strengths and hurdles, and start today—not next week or next month. Ownership and immediacy are central to real change.

Takeaways:

Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic—it just has to be real. By embracing the idea of small, consistent actions, life becomes more manageable. You learn to trust yourself, build momentum, and see your path more clearly. The challenge is to stop overthinking and start doing, even if the first step feels tiny.

Ownership is empowering. Even when circumstances are out of our control, we can control how we respond. The secret to success isn’t a perfect plan—it’s a willingness to act now.

Jill’s Links

http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com

https://startwithsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.