When I watched the latest episode of Game of Thrones, I asked myself, "What's next?" and I ended up hypothesizing possible plot moves and am looking forward to watching the next episode.
That's the mark of a good show. Or at the very least, it is a sign that I'm enjoying watching the show.
"What's next?" is something I ask myself even when it isn't about what might happen in the next episode of a show I'm watching. I do that at the end of every Chelsea game. I do that after I hit publish on a blog post. I do that after I write my thousand words for the day towards the novel I'm working on. I do that after an hour at the gym. I do that after I release a new feature. I do that after I read an engaging book.
Well, you get the idea.
There is a pattern here. And if it isn't clear already, I'll give you the flip side.
When I come out of a long meeting, I'm relieved that it's over. When I finish reading and responding to my email, I'm relieved. When I finish making the flight and accommodation bookings for an upcoming travel, I'm relieved. When I finish cleaning the house, I'm relieved.
How do you feel when you finish work for the day? Or after a dinner with friends or family or acquaintances? Or after whatever it is that you just did?
If you come out asking "What's next?" that's an indication that you really enjoyed it. And if all you feel is relief, well, you should find something more enjoyable to do.
It is often necessary to do things that we don't enjoy. But we need a good mix of both.
As Steve Jobs once said, "Each morning, I ask myself if I'm excited about the day ahead. And if the answer is no for many days in a row, I know something needs to change."
While that is a high level indicator, asking what's next lets you identify what specific things to change.
So, what's next?
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