Finding Your Minimum Viable Method
The Method is a critical part of building Momentum and making progress towards your goal.
It’s the plan of action: what, when, where, how.
But it’s common for people to get stuck on the Method. Either you don’t really have one or you have one but it’s not working well.
- When you don’t have a plan, it can feel overwhelming thinking about how to create one that will work (and that you can trust).
- When you have a plan that isn’t working, it can feel overwhelming to think about how to fix it without starting from scratch (and starting from scratch is daunting).
The best thing you can do if you are feeling stuck?
Establish a Minimum Viable Method.
Remember, the Method is about knowing:
- what to do
- how to do it
- when and where to do it
- what tools to use
So the Minimum Viable Method is the simplest, clear, and effective plan to move you closer to your goal.
Let’s look closer at these 3 components.
Simplicity
Your Method should be as simple as it needs to be, without any unnecessary steps.
At the same time, it needs to be complete. If you plan is too simple, you might be missing important steps.
For example, if you know exactly what you need to do but never decide when it will happen, your Method is too simple. The implementation (when, where, what tools) is an important part of any plan.
It helps to ask yourself, “What would my plan look like if it were easy to follow?”
Keep in mind “simple” is a relative term, and your “simplest” Method may be very different from that of another person.
Clarity
Sometimes when you are stuck, it’s literally because you don’t know the next step. If it’s not clear what to do next, you stop moving.
A clear plan includes the actual steps you need to take when it’s time to take them.
It can help to imagine describing your Method to another person. Could you explain it in plain language so they would be able to understand it?
If you can’t describe the actions you need to take, it’s a sign you need more clarity.
Effectiveness
Does following your Method actually get you closer to the results you want?
While you want the simplest version you can follow consistently, it also needs to be effective.
If you’ve been following your Method for a while but not getting closer to your goal, it’s a sign to look into its effectiveness. This may require some research and some trial and error.
If you need to make changes, keep in mind simplicity and clarity. Ask “What is the easiest version that’s still effective?”
Start with the Minimum Viable Method
Once you’ve identified the simplest, clear, and effective plan, start following it. The goal is to test your Method to see if it works for you.
If you doubt this approach because it seems “too simple”, ask yourself why you believe things have to be complex in order to be effective.
Remember, simple doesn’t mean no effort. The idea is to remove friction and make it easier to take action.
Traps to Avoid
As you establish your Minimum Viable Method, there are a few traps you will want to avoid.
Ignoring Context
Consider your current circumstances as you outline your Method. Do you have any restrictions or limitations to factor into your plan? Just because something worked for you in the past doesn’t mean it will fit your context now. And what works for someone else may not suit your circumstances right now.
Waiting for Perfect
It’s common to put off taking action until you feel like your plan is perfect. Try embracing the fundamental idea of a Minimum Viable Method, which is to keep it simple and start taking action without a complicated plan getting in your way. Once you start moving forward, you can make adjustments.
Playing Catch-Up
If you are making any changes to your Method that involve a new tools, like new software, it’s common to believe you need to migrate everything from your old tool. In the vast majority of cases, it’s unnecessary and stalls progress. Just focus forward—start today with the new tool.
Shiny Object Syndrome
Let’s be honest, there’s no shortage of advice and opinions about how to reach your goals. Not just from actual experts, but armchair experts as well. If you’ve identified a Minimum Viable Method, commit to a specific time frame (e.g. 8-12 weeks) and resist making any changes until after that time period when you will have first-hand experience with your plan.
Is the Method the Issue?
If you have a Minimum Viable Method that is simple, clear, and effective, but you are still struggling to follow it, you are likely facing a different roadblock.
The Method solves a logical roadblock, but if you are facing a biological or psychological roadblock, it’s time to shift your attention to Mode and Mindset.
For example, if you find yourself falling into the traps above…
- Ignoring Context: you are trying to work against your current reality. Ignoring your Mode means your Method won’t feel sustainable.
- Perfectionism, Playing Catch-Up, Shiny Object Syndrome: you are stopping yourself from taking action in order to avoid experiencing negative outcomes. Ignoring your Mindset means you are letting fear keep you frozen because it feels safer than the alternative.
It’s tempting to keep ‘working on your Method’ because it’s very practical and it can feel productive, but if you are facing biological or psychological roadblocks, spending time on your Mode and Mindset will help you find Momentum so you can take consistent, sustainable, and aligned action.
