Alternate Perceptions Magazine, October 2026
The Next Right Step
By: Stan Prachniak, MBA
The next decision you make could have a lasting impact on your life. Sometimes, we believe major changes in our lives come from one major decision. More often than not, our current lives are shaped by small choices we make each day. The decision to speak up, to walk away, to work harder, to forgive, or to try something new can help create a path that continues long after a moment has passed. This is one reason why it is important to treat each decision as if it could change your life—because it just might. Even when a choice seems insignificant, it can influence your habits, relationships, opportunities, and ultimately the person you become.
Taking the next right step is a critical part of making the changes you want to make, and becoming who you want to be. Every day, you are faced with choices, and what you choose in each situation leads to an outcome. Some decisions move you closer to our goals, while others may distract you from reaching them. You do not have complete control over what happens to you, but you do have control over how you choose to respond. Becoming the person you want to be does not happen in an instant. It happens over time; one decision, one action, and one step at a time. It happens through the creation of good habits and healthy routines that lead you to, and keep you on, your true path in life.
One challenge of making good decisions is being able to evaluate potential immediate and delayed outcomes. A “feel-good” choice made in the moment may provide comfort, excitement, or relief, but this does not mean that it is the best choice for your future self. Before making a decision, it can help to ask yourself, “What is the immediate impact of this choice?” Then ask something like, “How will this decision affect my life in one week, one month, or one year?” Looking beyond the present moment will help you recognize consequences that may not be obvious to you right away. A difficult decision made today can create opportunities later, while an easy decision today can create challenges down the road.
So, how do you determine what the “right” step is? There will not always be a simple or obvious answer. The right step will often require you to slow down, consider consequences, and do an honest evaluation of whether your choice aligns with your values and the person you want to become. It can be helpful to ask yourself: “Will this decision move me forward or hold me back?” “Am I making this choice because it is right for me, or simply because it is easy?” and “Will I be proud of this decision later?”
Ultimately, your life and where you are right now, in this moment, has been built through a series of decisions you have made. You may not know exactly where every choice will lead, but you can choose to be intentional about the direction you are heading. Your next step does not have to be perfect; it simply needs to move you toward the person you want to become. By considering both the immediate and long-term effects of your choices, you give yourself a better opportunity to make decisions that reflect your goals, values, and future. Treat every decision as though it matters, because even the smallest step can become part of the life you are building.
Freedom To Change offers a way for you to learn how to take the next right step, and make decisions based on the person you want to become. For more information on the Freedom2Change materials, visit www.freedom2change.org
