Choosing the right process to map first is critical to your success in this course. If you pick something too simple, the exercise will feel like busywork. If you pick something too complex, you risk abandoning the effort entirely. The goal is to build your mapping muscles on a manageable, recurring task that actually matters to your day-to-day work.
In this lesson, we will explore the criteria for an ideal first deliverable. By focusing on a process with 5-10 steps, a weekly frequency, and a clear pain point, you set yourself up for a quick win. Whether you are drafting a blog post, scheduling social media, or distributing a press release, the principles remain the same: start small, map accurately, and identify where the friction lies.
Assignment
Review your typical work week and identify three potential processes that fit the criteria: 5-10 steps, weekly frequency, and at least one pain point.
Select the best candidate from your list. Write down the name of the deliverable, its starting trigger, and its final output.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Goldilocks principle for selecting a process to map.
- Identify a routine task that involves 5-10 steps and occurs at least weekly.
- Articulate at least one specific pain point in your chosen process.
The Goldilocks Principle
Your first process map should not be too simple, or you won't learn anything meaningful. It shouldn't be too complex, or you will quickly become overwhelmed. Aim for the middle ground.
Ideal First Deliverable
A task that takes 5-10 steps to complete, is performed at least weekly, and contains at least one clear pain point you can articulate.