From 85468cf8ecf586371485abaa77abd4efeaa0314c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ida-ccc Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:05:32 +0800 Subject: [PATCH] Update next-step.md --- _mental_models/next-step.md | 69 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------ 1 file changed, 58 insertions(+), 11 deletions(-) diff --git a/_mental_models/next-step.md b/_mental_models/next-step.md index 98fc356..90fc238 100644 --- a/_mental_models/next-step.md +++ b/_mental_models/next-step.md @@ -6,23 +6,26 @@ summary: Go an additional step prerequisites: --- -#### Description +## Description -Many times we tend to leave things at a certain stage where we could have made more progress. We either switch tasks, wait for approval or get someone else to tell us how to proceed. During these times it is mostly a good option to go forward another step and maybe another and maybe another until the process it fully complete and delivered. +Many times we stop too early. We finish our part, submit it, and then wait — wait for approval, wait for someone else to tell us what to do next, wait for feedback. We think our only job is to finish what’s been asked and hand it off. -#### Practice: +But most of the time, we could take one more step, and sometimes two or three, before anyone else needs to act. We could start the next task, clarify the next question, or even prepare part of the step after that. -Whenever you're looking to submit a task, write down the following, +Progress often slows down not because the work is difficult, but because we pause where we shouldn’t. The idea here is simple: instead of stopping at “done,” ask yourself, _“What happens after this?”_ If you can do any of the next steps before submitting, do it. -What I am working on: (write what you're working on in 1 sentence) -What are the next steps after submission: (write down the steps your boss, colleague, partner or you will do) -Which of these next steps can I do: (select the part of the steps you can do before submitting) +## Practice: -#### Example 1 +Whenever you're looking to submit a task, write down the following: +1. What I am working on: write what you're working on in 1 sentence +2. What are the next steps after submission: write down the steps your boss, colleague, partner or you will do +3. Which of these next steps can I do: select the part of the steps you can do before submitting -What I am working on: `Working on a UI design` +### Example-1 -What are the next steps after submission: +**What I am working on:** `Working on a UI design` + +**What are the next steps after submission**: 1. Come up with ideas 2. Select the best idea @@ -39,4 +42,48 @@ What are the next steps after submission: 14. Decide to move forward with it or not 15. Implement the successful version for all users -Which of these next steps can I do: `I can do steps all through 1-9. For 10 & 11 I can give the implementation tasks to developers and get them to create a/b tests. For 12 & 13 I can get someone to check the analytics for me to see if they have performed better or worse. For 14 & 15 I can decide if the feature was a success or not and get it released to all the players.` \ No newline at end of file +**Which of these next steps can I do now:** + +Before submitting, I can: +- Do a self-review +- Run a quick usability check with one or two users +- Break the design into smaller development tasks +- Define what success metrics we will measure + +### Example-2 + +**What I am working on:** `Planning a weekend trip.` + +**What are the next steps after submission:** +- Decide the destination +- Check accommodation +- Book transport +- Plan activities +- Share itinerary + +**Which of these next steps can I do now:** + +Instead of just saying, “Let’s go somewhere this weekend,” I can: +- Suggest two destinations +- Check availability +- Compare prices +- Draft a simple itinerary + +### Example-3 + +**What I am working on:** `Preparing a proposal for a client.` + +**What are the next steps after submission:** +- Client reviews +- Client asks clarifying questions +- Adjust scope +- Finalize pricing +- Sign agreement + +**Which of these next steps can I do now:** + +Before sending it, I can: +- Anticipate common questions and answer them inside the proposal +- Clarify assumptions +- Include optional packages +- Draft a simple implementation timeline