As someone who is easily overwhelmed by everyday life, I think about this phrase all the time: the next right thing.
(For a long time I thought it came from some high-minded piece of literature, but it turns out it’s actually a song from Frozen 2—which somehow makes it even better.)
Whatever the “right” thing is depends on context—my current environment, energy level, or mode of being.
When I’m parenting, it might mean slowing down and sitting with my son to play with his Hot Wheels. In that moment, his joy and connection matter far more than whether the floor is spotless. When I keep my values and priorities close at hand, the answer to “what’s next?” becomes clearer.
But in other settings, the answer isn’t so obvious. Starting a new role, for example, brings a flood of competing priorities. Where should I direct my time and energy? What creates the most value for my team, my manager, and the organization?
This is where my mind drifts to the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 Rule—the idea that 20% of our effort produces 80% of the impact. The challenge is identifying that 20%. Sometimes I wish there were a decision tree for figuring out the “next right thing” in the workplace.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a supportive manager, they can be your primary resource while you’re still finding your footing. I’m lucky in that regard, and I know that as I gain experience in this role, I’ll grow more confident in choosing the next right thing for myself without needing as much guidance.
Of course, I have to admit: my favorite form of procrastination is organizing and planning. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as color-coding tasks or rearranging a to-do list. It feels productive, but in reality, it doesn’t always move the needle.
That said, planning does help. Taking a few minutes to map out your day or week ahead of time can highlight which tasks are truly high-value. I use Todoist for this, and while it’s not a magic solution, it helps me stay grounded in what matters most.
Reflection is another piece I’m still working on. Looking back at what actually got done—and whether those actions created meaningful progress—offers invaluable data. But I’m not great at remembering to pause and reflect. A small hack that helps: schedule it. Literally add “weekly reflection” to your calendar with a reminder, so you don’t skip it.
And finally, some perspective: 99% of the time, when I ask myself this question, the stakes are very low. I’m privileged enough that even if I pick the “wrong” next right thing, nothing catastrophic will happen to me or the people I care about. That reminder allows me to take the pressure off and simply keep moving forward.
Maybe the next right thing is a work project. Maybe it’s washing the dishes. Maybe it’s sitting on the floor with Hot Wheels. Whatever it is, it’s enough.
I’d love to hear how you approach this question. When you’re feeling pulled in too many directions, how do you decide on your own “next right thing”? Share your thoughts in the comments—I think we can all learn from each other’s strategies.
Kathryn Vela 