I’ve started to change several areas of my life since the turn of the new year (decreased weight, increased downtime, increased efficiency and accountability), but there are two areas that REALLY have resulted in changes in my life. Let me share them with you.

1. Avoid the “Ugh, not now” response. I have spent a long time letting 2-minute items pile up because I couldn’t bear to face them. Those “ugh” items always cast a pallor over my day, and always reminded me of what I hadn’t accomplished. My action list for the day now is full of high-level career and/or current project items that now get my undivided energy and attention. That’s a change that makes me, my co-workers, and my bosses happy! Win-win.

2. If you don’t care where you start, or don’t even care if you EVER start, then ask someone who DOES care. My wife always has a running list of priority items in her head. I know what they are - I trip over them every day during my travels around the house. So if I have the time to address a mini-project, I ask her “What do you want done?”. If you don’t care about the priority of current projects, then ask some other stakeholder. They will give you the direction you are seeking.