The Next Right Thing audiobook cover - A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

The Next Right Thing

A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

Emily P. Freeman

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Key Takeaways from The Next Right Thing

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The Next Right Thing
Core Philosophy+
Managing Inner Space+
Spiritual Guidance+
Desires & Motivations+
Seeking Counsel+
Patience & Surprise+
Actionable Practice+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 9
According to the book, what is the recommended approach when faced with paralyzing indecision about the future?
  • A. Carefully map out all possible outcomes and create a detailed five-year plan.
  • B. Shift your focus from future outcomes to simply doing the next right thing.
  • C. Seek out as many experts as possible to guarantee you make the right choice.
  • D. Wait until you have absolute clarity before taking any action.
Question 2 of 9
How does the author suggest applying the concept of 'soul minimalism' to improve decision-making?
  • A. By getting rid of most of your physical possessions to clear your mind.
  • B. By disabling digital notifications and creating space from distractions to reflect in silence.
  • C. By making decisions as quickly as possible to avoid overthinking.
  • D. By cutting ties with friends and family members who disagree with your choices.
Question 3 of 9
What technique did the author use to overcome her overwhelming indecision while shopping for plants?
  • A. Naming the narrative she was experiencing, such as identifying her emotion as fear.
  • B. Calling a trusted mentor for immediate advice on which plants to buy.
  • C. Making a 'life energy list' right in the middle of the store.
  • D. Leaving the store and deciding to abandon the idea of buying plants altogether.
Question 4 of 9
When seeking spiritual guidance for unmade decisions, the author suggests that people should look for:
  • A. Explicit, undeniable answers from God.
  • B. Gurus who have successfully navigated the exact same problem.
  • C. 'Arrows' pointing the way from their current, honest circumstances.
  • D. Signs in their dreams predicting the future.
Question 5 of 9
To evaluate the true motivation behind a difficult decision, what specific question does the author recommend asking yourself?
  • A. Will this decision make me more successful in the long run?
  • B. Am I being led by love or pushed by fear?
  • C. What would my harshest critics think about this choice?
  • D. How will this affect my overarching life story?
Question 6 of 9
What is the difference between 'gurus' and 'co-listeners' as described in the book?
  • A. Gurus listen to your problems without judgment, while co-listeners tell you exactly what to do.
  • B. Gurus charge money for advice, whereas co-listeners provide free professional coaching.
  • C. Gurus provide external advice that can overwhelm your own vision, while co-listeners are trusted friends who hear your story and discuss issues with you.
  • D. Gurus are always right, while co-listeners often give flawed and biased advice.
Question 7 of 9
How does the author recommend handling criticism when trying to make a life choice?
  • A. Ignore all criticism completely, as it only breeds negativity and doubt.
  • B. Pay attention to constructive criticism from 'believers' who want to help you grow.
  • C. Listen primarily to your harshest critics to prove them wrong and build resilience.
  • D. Accept all criticism as absolute truth and change your plans accordingly.
Question 8 of 9
According to the book, what should you keep in mind regarding 'clarity' in decision-making?
  • A. Clarity is a myth and should be completely ignored when making choices.
  • B. Clarity usually arrives the moment you write down a pros and cons list.
  • C. Clarity cannot be rushed, and you should remain open to being surprised rather than demanding instant certainty.
  • D. Clarity is the only valid reason to finally commit to a major life decision.
Question 9 of 9
What actionable advice does the author give for dealing with the overwhelm of an impending decision?
  • A. Take a walk around your neighborhood without your phone or music to connect with your surroundings.
  • B. Scroll through social media to find inspiration from people you admire.
  • C. Stay in your room and write down every possible negative outcome to prepare yourself.
  • D. Immediately book a trip abroad to gain a fresh perspective on your life.

The Next Right Thing — Full Chapter Overview

The Next Right Thing Summary & Overview

The Next Right Thing (2019) takes a fresh look at common decision-making wisdom. Drawing upon personal anecdotes as well as stories from the Bible, these blinks offer soulful advice to guide you through decision fatigue or chronic hesitation so that you can find your next right thing.

Who Should Listen to The Next Right Thing?

  • Christians interested in finding spiritual guidance
  • Recent graduates or people going through a time of transition
  • Ditherers looking to become more decisive

About the Author: Emily P. Freeman

Emily P. Freeman is the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling books Simply Tuesday (2015) and A Million Little Ways (2013). Her podcast The Next Right Thing aims to enrich her listeners’ personal and spiritual lives.

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