The Right Next Thing
It’s not time management that matters. It’s the choice you make next.
August 27, 2025
For years, we’ve been told that the answer to getting more done is better time management. Color-coded calendars. Intricate planners. Apps and lists that promise to help you squeeze more minutes into the day.
The problem? You can’t manage time. The clock doesn’t stop, bend, or stretch for anyone. That’s why so many people who chase time management systems still feel behind.
The real challenge isn’t the number of hours you have—it’s what you put into them. Inefficiency isn’t just about losing time to distractions. It’s about pouring energy into the wrong priorities at the wrong moment.
That’s where an alternative approach called The Right Next Thing comes in. Instead of trying to master your entire day, you focus on the sequence of choices that shape it. At every transition point, pause and ask yourself three questions:
Am I about to step into the most important thing, or just the most urgent?
Will this task move me forward, or just keep me busy?
If I only accomplished one big thing today, what should I do next?
This simple shift removes inefficiency without complicated systems. Time isn’t wasted only on endless scrolling or quick distractions. In fact, even those can be fine at the right time. What drains productivity is doing a meaningful task at the wrong time.
Like spending your energy on minor tweaks instead of calling top customers.
Or getting stuck in paperwork instead of coaching your team.
The wrong next thing drains results.
The right next thing compounds them.
The takeaway: If you want an alternative to time management that truly works, practice asking yourself, “What’s the right next thing?” and act on it. It’s the fastest way to remove inefficiency and focus your productivity on what matters most.
What if this week you paused before moving on and made the habit of choosing the right next thing?
You’re one action away. Starting today.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Right Next Thing
What is The Right Next Thing approach?
The Right Next Thing is a practical alternative to time management. Instead of trying to control your entire schedule, it focuses on making the best choice in each moment. By asking, “What’s the right next thing?” you avoid inefficiency and put energy into what matters most.
Why doesn’t traditional time management work?
Time management tools can help with organization, but they don’t solve the deeper issue: how you choose to use your hours. The clock never changes, but your decisions do. Inefficiency happens when you spend time on the wrong priorities at the wrong moment.
How does The Right Next Thing improve productivity?
By focusing on the right priority in the right sequence, you eliminate wasted effort. Instead of reacting to urgency or low-value tasks, you align each step with your most important goals. This creates momentum, reduces overwhelm, and compounds results.
What are examples of choosing the wrong next thing?
Common examples include:
Fixing minor details instead of preparing for a key client call.
Answering emails when you should be coaching your team.
Spending energy on someone else’s priority instead of your own.
How can I start using The Right Next Thing today?
It’s simple: before shifting tasks, pause and ask yourself three questions—
Am I about to step into the most important thing, or just the most urgent?
Will this move me forward, or just keep me busy?
If I only got one big thing done today, what should it be?
Making this habit part of your routine helps remove inefficiency and keeps your focus where it matters most.
