The So What…Thought.

The So What Now Guide To Clarity.

Back to square one, schedules and deadlines might seem like they’re boxing us in, but truth is, they’re the real deal for scoring freedom. They help us laser in on the stuff that truly matters without getting sidetracked.

But, you know what’s the real menace? Those flashy planners and organizers with their stickers and whatnot. They’re more distracting than helpful, if you ask me.

Landmark education hammers this ancient wisdom into us: plan your work, work your plan. It’s as simple as that. Having a mountain-sized to-do list can freak you out, and then you’re either stressing over failing or just plain worn out. Over our last 22 rendezvous, we’ve been navigating through steps to cozy up to the limbic space and march onward.

Terry Barton, bless his soul, served up this model back in the ’70s. But truth be told, it’s been the bread and butter for generations. I picked it up from my grandparents, who passed it down the line.

What – The Descriptive Stage

First off, spot what’s what. Look at the scene, the gig, the project, or the mess without putting on any tinted glasses. Keep it real, no emotions attached. Let’s say your sit-down with the boss went haywire. In this phase, you’re just laying out the facts.

Key Questions to Ask: What went down? Who was in the mix? When did it go down? Where was the scene? How’d it all play out?

So What – The Interpretive Stage

Now, chew on what you feel about the whole shebang and what fallout it brings. Feel the feels without pointing fingers or passing judgments, just like you’re examining how that boss meet made you feel.

Key Questions to Ponder: How’d it sit with you? What emotions bubbled up? Any personal or work-related repercussions? How’s it affect your ties with the peeps involved? What set off those emotions?

Now What – The Action Planning Stage

Lastly, cook up a plan of attack and how to better it. Suggest fixes or upgrades for the road ahead. Think about the moves needed to hit your goals. So, sticking to the boss scenario, you’re brainstorming how to run smoother meetings next time.

Key Questions to Mull Over: What steps can I take to smooth things out? How do I stride ahead on a positive note? Any changes in the playbook needed? Anything to check before I dive in? How do I dodge this mess next time?

Wrap It Up in Real-Life Flavors

• Workplace Drama: Team’s tangled up in a feud. Pinpoint the beef, sniff out the pattern, and map your way out.
• Personal Hustle: Got a tough nut of a project to crack? Track what went down, figure out what’s gumming up the works, and whip up a game plan.
• Learning Moments: Just polished off some training? Mull over the know-how gained, scheme how to use it in the wild, and plot a course for positive change.

Tips for Rocking the What So What Now What Model

This setup fixes any pickle – just make a habit of reflecting regularly and keep an open mind. Reflection gets your gears turning deep, and this model gives you a roadmap for life’s twists and turns.

The Bottom Line

The What So What Now What model’s a neat tool for cracking solutions wide open. It’s all about asking simple questions and keeping an open mind for offbeat answers that can jazz up your life, whether at work or play.

But alas, this sort of noodling is now branded as overthinking or not being in the moment. How utterly spiffing!