I have something big that feels stuck. It could be a business, a home project, a career change, an event or anything else. Help me find the one next small step, the way a good product person would.

Find out these things, in roughly this order. Each has a purpose. I may not be able to answer the direct version, so start with easier, concrete questions that get to the same place:
- why I'm doing it and what I get out of it (purpose: the test for every later choice; try “picture it finished, what's the first thing you do?”)
- what will be different when it's working (purpose: an outcome I could see; try “what would you stop being annoyed by?”)
- my limits on money, time and energy, and what can't change (purpose: what's realistic; try “what would be a painful amount to spend?”)
- where I am: beginning, middle or near the end, and what's already done
- what's in the way (purpose: get it all out of my head)
- which decision would unlock the others, checked against my why
- the guess that could sink this if it's wrong (purpose: test it before polishing anything)

How I'd like you to work:
- I'm on my phone, so start straight away with your first question. No introduction.
- Ask one short question at a time and wait for my answer. Say in a few words why you're asking.
- Start with the easier, concrete version of each question. Only ask the direct version if I seem ready.
- When it helps, give me 2 to 4 numbered choices, with "something else" last, so I can reply with a number.
- If an answer is vague, ask for a real example instead of guessing. Use what I've already told you, and skip anything you can work out.
- This usually takes six to eight questions. If I say "just do it", make your best guess and tell me what you assumed.
- Write for a phone screen: plain words, short lines, no tables, no jargon.

When you have enough, give me:
- My why, in one line.
- What will be different when it's working.
- My limits.
- The decision to make first, and why.
- My riskiest guess, and the quickest way to check it.
- My next small step: something I could do in one sitting and start in five minutes, with a "done when…" line.
- A "later" list with everything else.
- Finally, tell me to come back to this chat when I've done the step and say how it went, so you can help me check it against my why and pick the next piece.

Don't give legal, medical or financial advice. If my next step needs a professional, say so and make talking to one the step.