Chapter 1: The Power of a Simple Phrase

During moments of crisis, tranquility, or even when you're feeling down, there are words that can uplift and motivate.

I have a penchant for stationery, and I particularly enjoyed this notebook I found.

It wasn't anything extravagant—just a simple pack of notebooks.

If you’re familiar with Moleskine or Field Notes, these were similar but more budget-friendly.

Each pack contained three notebooks, and I found myself wishing I had bought a fourth one—one for each month.

I reached out to a friend, and she helped me get another pack.

With 64 pages in each, there was ample space for daily notes and an index.

Alongside my phone, keys, and wallet, this notebook became a constant companion.

At first, I wasn't sure how to utilize it—I just appreciated having it.

Soon, however, it morphed into a makeshift to-do list, where I jotted down thoughts as they came to me.

There were no elaborate designs or neat writing; it was simply a rough and ready way to capture my ideas.

The next pivotal moment in my life came unexpectedly.

One day, I managed to tick off everything on my hastily written to-do list.

That feeling of accomplishment sparked a daily drive within me.

Then, life took a downturn.

Imagine facing a series of personal challenges while simultaneously dealing with professional setbacks.

Add to that a car breakdown, a malfunctioning computer, a stolen phone, and a surprise from the tax office.

It’s a series of events that makes you question,

“How much more can I endure?”

Or

“Can things get any worse?”

Even if you claim not to be superstitious, you start to hesitate in voicing those thoughts aloud.

My life followed a similar chaotic trajectory.

The intensity of those moments was even more severe than I care to recall.

I vividly remember where I sat, the desk in front of me, the notebook, and the cheap pen at hand.

The feeling of being overwhelmed was palpable, teetering on the edge of panic.

Then, a thought emerged—six words, forming a simple yet powerful sentence.

I began to write, enumerating each challenge and outlining the next steps.

Those six words became my lifeline, guiding me through that day and beyond.

It was more than just a phrase; it became a mantra that influenced my decisions and daily actions.

Until this week, when I found myself needing to vocalize it again—softly, yet firmly.

The weight of those words provided immediate relief, calming the storm of anxiety and flooding me with a sense of peace.

I realized I didn’t need to dwell on

“How much more can I take?”

Or

“Can this get worse?”

With those six words as my compass, I was equipped to handle the present and whatever challenges lay ahead: Just. Do. The. Next. Right. Thing.

If you’re a Medium Member, I invite you to explore my ongoing series on Personal Productivity, filled with work hacks and life lessons, including various apps and tools.

Join the conversation on Twitter (iCatMilton)—I always welcome a chat!

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

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