Hi Reader,

Back in the early ’80s, when I was serving aboard a nuclear submarine, my Chief Petty Officer gave me some advice I’ve never forgotten:

“Of course you have a lot of things to do. You’re on a nuclear submarine, for crying out loud! Now go do the next thing and keep focusing on the mission, ya non-qual!”

A “non-qual” was a sailor who hadn’t yet completed submarine qualifications—and Chiefs had a special way of reminding us.

His point was simple:

You don’t have to get everything done right now. You don’t have to finish everything today.

You just need to take the next step.

I’ve been using a simple idea in my coaching lately:

Keep the Mission Green 🟢

Think about something important you’re working on right now—a business project, a leadership challenge, or anything else that matters to you.

Now ask yourself:

What’s one meaningful step I can take today?

Maybe you only have 5, 10, or 15 minutes.

Take the step.

I call these Whitt Steps—small, meaningful steps toward something that matters.

You don’t have to complete the entire project today. You just need to move it forward.

Writing a strategic plan? Work on one section.

Facing a leadership challenge? Identify the next decision you need to make.

Then take the next step.

And here’s something a coaching client recently taught me that I love:

If the mission starts feeling too big, stop for a moment and look down at your feet.

That’s where you are right now.

Don’t worry about the entire journey ahead.

Just ask:

What’s the next step these feet can take to keep the mission green?

Then take it.

Tomorrow, take the next one.

My Chief would be proud. Mission Green. 🟢

To Getting It Done!

Michael A. Whitt
Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

P.S. What problem can I help you solve today? Facing a leadership, business, or execution challenge? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to do next? Tell me what’s going on. I’ll personally read your message and, if I can help, send you a practical place to start. No pressure. No preparation. Just tell me what’s on your mind. ​👉 Tell Me What Problem You’re Trying to Solve →​ 📘 Read the Book — To Getting It Done: Tools You Can Use From a 38-Year Navy Veteran → Learn More About the Book​ ⚓ Help the Next Leader — If these leadership emails have been useful to you, consider sharing them with someone who could use them too. → Invite them to join the 52-week Leadership Series​ Captain Michael Whitt, USN (Ret.) To Getting It Done Leadership 🌐​togettingitdone.com​​ 📧 ​michael@togettingitdone.com​​ 📱​(808) 295-1591​​ ⚓ Mission Check: Did you leave someone, somewhere, or something a little better today? ​​​

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