Now, Next, Later into the New Year

For many, the click-over to the new year means a time to reflect, retrospect on what worked or didn’t, reset intentions, and, perhaps, set resolutions. 

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, personally, as I believe we are all constantly evolving and growing, which means our goals need to evolve and pivot with us, no matter what time of year it is. In a way, any day can turn into a New Year’s resolution day.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a roadmap of goals and tasks that are just waiting to be accomplished because it’s how we get shit done consistently. If we don’t have a plan, how do we know where we are supposed to be going at this moment? It doesn’t mean that plans won’t change, that pivots won’t happen, but we have to be moving forward towards something.

I’m often asked about what system I use to organize, be it my personal or professional life. I use the “Now, next, later” method. I like this because it’s simple and easy to understand. It’s translatable within organizations, up and down that corporate ladder, while also being understood for the familial unit. Even my tiny humans have one now, next, later at any given time, and as a family we have a now, next, later goal that we are all aware of and working towards. 

This now, next, later method allows for intentional and healthy conversations around boundaries – what tasks can actually be done in the timeframe that they need to be accomplished. These three words turn into the buckets of where things go on the priority list, allowing for a more aligned work, life, family, friends, and community integration.

Now can be today; next can be the next day; and later can be the day after. If you have a longer roadmap, now is this month or quarter; next is the following, etc. You can even have these priority lists within each other like a hierarchy. The possibilities are endless once you grasp the initial concept of the simplicity of this system.

I have many colleagues and clients who have implemented this into their stand-up calls, team meeting agendas, board minutes, you name it. They say that music doesn’t have to be translated because it can be a universal language, and I believe this simple yet effective method can do the same for you and your organization. Are you ready to get shit done this year?

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