Life is filled with decisions, big and small, and making the right choices can often feel overwhelming. Whether you’re trying to decide which project to tackle at work, how to spend your free time, or what goals to pursue, picking the right thing to do and actually following through can be a challenge. The good news is that with some clear strategies, you can learn to make purposeful choices and take action on them effectively. Here’s a guide to help you pick the right thing to do and commit to getting it done.

Step 1: Define What “Right” Means to You

The “right” thing isn’t the same for everyone, and it can vary depending on your goals, values, and circumstances. Before you decide what to do, take a moment to clarify what “right” means for you in this context. Is it the thing that brings you the most personal satisfaction, aligns with your long-term goals, benefits others, or maximizes your productivity? Knowing what “right” means to you will help guide your choices.

Questions to Help You Define What’s Right:

• Does this action align with my core values?
• Will it bring me closer to my long-term goals?
• Is this something that will positively impact others or contribute to my well-being?
• Will I feel proud of myself for doing this?

When you define what “right” means, you gain a clearer sense of purpose and can more easily eliminate options that don’t align with your intentions.

Step 2: Identify and Prioritize Your Options

Once you’ve defined what “right” means, identify the options available to you. This could mean listing all possible tasks, projects, or choices you’re considering. Write down everything you need or want to accomplish, then evaluate each option based on your criteria from Step 1. Prioritizing these options will help you focus on what truly matters.

Tips for Prioritizing:

• Use the Eisenhower Matrix: Divide tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Focus first on tasks that are both urgent and important.
• Consider Impact and Effort: Rate each option based on the impact it will have and the effort it requires. High-impact, low-effort tasks are often worth prioritizing.
• Think About Consequences: Consider the short- and long-term consequences of doing (or not doing) each option. This helps you see the bigger picture and avoid decisions that might seem good now but are unhelpful in the long run.

After prioritizing, choose the one or two top items to focus on. Avoid trying to tackle everything at once, as this can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness.

Step 3: Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Once you’ve chosen the right thing to do, define a specific goal. Clear goals make it easier to follow through because they provide a concrete outcome to work toward. Vague goals like “be productive” or “get things done” don’t provide a clear direction, making it easier to lose motivation. Instead, set a goal that is specific, measurable, and achievable.

Tips for Setting Clear Goals:

• Make Your Goal Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to work on my project,” say, “I want to complete the first draft of my project by the end of the day.”
• Break Down Large Goals: If your goal is big or overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it less intimidating and helps you see progress as you complete each step.
• Set a Deadline: Give yourself a specific timeframe for completion. Deadlines create a sense of urgency, helping you stay focused and motivated.

For example, if your “right” thing to do is preparing for a presentation, your goal might be, “Finish the outline and create the first three slides by 3 p.m.”

Step 4: Minimize Distractions and Create a Focused Environment

Once you’ve identified the right thing to do and set a goal, it’s time to take action. The best way to follow through is by creating an environment that supports focus and productivity. Distractions are one of the main reasons people fail to complete tasks, so minimizing interruptions is crucial.

Tips for Minimizing Distractions:

• Set Boundaries: Let others know you’re unavailable for a specific period, whether it’s 30 minutes or an hour.
• Limit Digital Distractions: Turn off notifications, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” or use apps that block distracting websites.
• Create a Dedicated Space: Work in a specific place free from unnecessary interruptions. A tidy, comfortable space can help you stay focused.
• Practice the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. This technique keeps your mind fresh and focused while preventing burnout.

Creating an environment where you can work without interruptions is essential to following through with the tasks you’ve chosen.

Step 5: Take Action – Even If It’s Small

The best way to get started is by taking action, even if it’s a small step. Often, the hardest part of any task is just beginning. Once you take that first step, the momentum will help you keep going. Remember, it’s better to make small progress than none at all.

Tips for Getting Started:

• Set a Timer for 5 Minutes: Commit to working on your task for just 5 minutes. Often, you’ll find that once you start, it’s easier to keep going.
• Focus on the First Step: Instead of looking at the entire project, just think about the very first thing you need to do.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Each small step forward is a win. Celebrate each completed part of your task, even if it’s just a quick acknowledgment. This helps reinforce positive momentum.

Taking action, no matter how small, builds confidence and gets you one step closer to completing your goal.

Step 6: Reflect and Adjust as Needed

Following through isn’t always a straight line. It’s important to periodically reflect on your progress and make adjustments if necessary. Reflection helps you evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and whether your actions are still aligned with your priorities. If you find that you’re losing motivation, take a moment to reconnect with why you chose this goal in the first place.

Tips for Reflection:

• Check in With Yourself: Take a few minutes to assess how you’re feeling and whether you’re making progress. Adjust your approach if needed.
• Be Honest About Obstacles: Identify any obstacles that have come up, and think about how to overcome them.
• Reaffirm Your Purpose: Remind yourself why you chose this task. Focusing on the bigger picture can renew your motivation.

Reflection ensures that you stay on track, and if something isn’t working, it gives you the opportunity to course-correct rather than abandoning the task entirely.

Final Thoughts: Turning Choices into Action

Picking the right thing to do and following through is a skill that can be developed with practice. By defining what “right” means, prioritizing your options, setting clear goals, and creating a focused environment, you set yourself up for success. Remember, small actions add up, and progress often comes in increments.

The more you practice making purposeful choices and following through with them, the easier it becomes to achieve your goals and create a fulfilling, intentional life. So the next time you’re faced with a decision, take a moment to think it through, prioritize, and commit to taking action. With a bit of focus and consistency, you’ll find that you’re able to accomplish more and move confidently toward your goals.