Adding to the Burden

Have you ever caught yourself making a job harder than it need be?

Some of us employ that technique on a regular basis. Among our misdirected efforts are:

• Reinventing the wheel. Most of our projects have been done by before. Why do we resist the guidance of precedent?


• The Ph.D. Syndrome. The swamp of research stretches out forever because more information always appears on the horizon.


• Devoting far too much time to details. There is a huge difference between attending to important details and squandering time on minor ones.


• Rushing past planning and prioritizing. That time saved early will be lost in chunks later.


• Analyzing the execution but not the mission. As the saying goes, it does no good to run if you're on the wrong road.


• Imposing ridiculous deadlines. Why create extra stress?


• Underestimating the amount of time required. Estimate the time you think will be needed, then multiply by three.


• Permitting interruptions. Hide out and get it done.