Next-to-Nothing Goals

Next-to-Nothing Goals

I saw a Ted Talk by Christine Carter recently discussing the concept of "next-to-nothing" goals. The idea is to learn a new habit by setting ridiculously small goals that will move you to the larger goal. It could be something as simple as walking for just one minute as a goal toward becoming a runner later on.

In my book Put Your Data to Work: 52 Tips and Techniques for Effectively Managing Your Database published by ASAE, one of the tips is "Spot Check Your Data." In that tip I suggest taking a minute or two during the day to "scroll through your contact list" to see if you can identify any errors in the data (e.g., duplicates, typos, etc.). This is a great example of a "next-to-nothing" activity that can have a real impact long-term.

I write frequently about weeding the garden in data management. Spot checking your data is another way to keep the weeds away. Make it one of your "next-to-nothing" goals.

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

AI is perpetually patient

December 10, 2025

AI is perpetually patient My friend and colleague Noel Shatananda of fusionSpan was providing me some […]

User adoption is (almost) all that matters…

December 3, 2025

User adoption is (almost) all that matters… I was speaking with an association recently about their […]

When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming

November 19, 2025

When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming There is a common belief in project management and general business management that overcommunicating […]

Communicating when there is a major technology change

November 12, 2025

Communicating when there is a major technology change For those of you who are ASAE […]

Everything works, until it doesn’t.

November 5, 2025

Everything works, until it doesn’t. “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” – […]

Some things are unknowable

October 29, 2025

Some things are unknowable One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new […]

Do we have access to that data?

October 22, 2025

Do we have access to that data? When I work with my clients on a […]

The three “buckets” of contact data

October 8, 2025

The three “buckets” of contact data Broadly speaking, when collecting data on contacts (individuals or organizations), […]

Balancing what is possible with what is realistic

October 1, 2025

Balancing what is possible with what is realistic When I work with clients on technology […]

“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.”

September 24, 2025

“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” “Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” – […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top