ABZ Career Planning
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A simple but powerful framework for taking action and making progress without getting overwhelmed by planning every step. Focus only on where you are, next immediate step, and end vision.
Core Concept
- Only 3 points matter:
- A - Where you are now
- B - The immediate next step
- Z - Your end vision/goal
- Everything else in between B and Z is irrelevant and causes paralysis
Key Principles
- Having a clear end vision (Z) is important for motivation and direction
- Don't waste time planning steps C through Y
- Focus only on executing the next immediate action (B)
- After completing B, then figure out the new next step
- Overthinking middle steps leads to analysis paralysis
Why It Works
- Taking action reveals opportunities you couldn't see initially
- Reality often differs from plans - adaptation is required
- Success comes from starting and iterating, not perfect planning
- Reduces overwhelm by simplifying decision-making
- Forces focus on immediate actionable steps
Implementation Tips
- Be clear on current position (A) and end vision (Z)
- Identify ONE clear next step (B)
- Take action on B before thinking about subsequent steps
- After completing B, reassess and identify new next step
- Stay focused on immediate action rather than long-term planning
- Accept that the path will reveal itself through action
The framework emphasizes that success comes from starting and iterating rather than trying to plan everything perfectly from the beginning. Focus only on what's immediately actionable.
40:41 - 41:09
Full video: 45:54SP
Shaan Puri
Host of MFM
Shaan Puri is the Chairman and Co-Founder of The Milk Road. He previously worked at Twitch as a Senior Director of Product, Mobile Gaming, and Emerging Markets. He also attended Duke University.