Next Easiest Thing
If you're like me, it feels overwhelming when you stop to think about everything you need to do. And if you're like me, sometimes it's easier to avoid thinking about it altogether. This strategy gently interrupts that cycle — one tiny step at a time.
We're not going to tackle everything. We're not even going to tackle most things. We're just going to find the one easiest next step — and take it.
What's been nagging at you?
Write down all the tasks you've been trying not to think about lately. Don't worry — you won't be graded on spelling or grammar. Use voice dictation if that helps.
No pressure. Even messy, half-formed thoughts count.
How much overwhelm are you feeling?
Right now, looking at those tasks — where are you on the scale?
Which one feels least overwhelming?
Tap the task that feels the most approachable right now. Not the most important — the least scary.
Your tasks from Step 2 will appear here.
Break it into steps
List 3–5 smaller steps inside that task. Then tap the one that feels easiest or least overwhelming.
You've got this.
One step. Right now.
Hit play. Work on your easiest step. Come back when you're ready to check in.
Your step: —
You don't have to finish the whole task. Just start this one step.
How's the overwhelm now?
You did something. That changes the equation. Rate your overwhelm one more time — then we'll compare.
Tasks I've been avoiding
Task I chose to start
Steps I identified
My easiest step (the one I worked on)
— Next Easiest Thing strategy · Applied Behavioral Health Practice