Musings at Altitude

Finish Something

As I now look back on 2008 and look forward to 2009, I’m stunned by the number of things that I’ve started and moved forward to some level but have not yet finished.  They range from little things like review of company policies to big things like implementing new bonus programs.  I’ve had people I need to call on my “to do” list for 6 weeks now – and I’ve yet to make that call.  In fact, I carry over half of my “to do” list on any given day, and I’ve carried over half of that half of the “to do” list for several weeks.  Does it really belong on a “to do” list if there’s no urgency on my part to get it done?  Hmmm.

My goal for the day is to get things done.  If folks are waiting for me to respond to something, then I’m slowing down the entire enterprise by not responding in a timely fashion.  If I have a contact that needs to be made in order to further a strategic objective and I’ve put off that call for weeks, then I’m delaying any momentum towards that objective until I make that call or contact.  If I have made a commitment to have something back to someone by a specific day or date, then I need to honor that commitment.

Of course, in finally getting things done, I’ll also need to apologize to those that have been waiting for me to move something forward.  I know at least two that are waiting on me for something right now, and they’ve been patiently waiting for a while.  I’m sure the apology will be well received, but even more so if the apology is accompanied by the documents or actions they needed reviewed or completed, respectively.

January 4th – Assessment

Mission Accomplished!  I am revived and rested!  On the spiritual side, we had a great sermon out of the book of Colossians.  My spiritual reservoir has been filled!  On the physical side, Denise and I pulled on the winter coats and shoveled snow at our house and our neighbor’s house.  My physical reservoir has been filled!  On the emotional side, we spent time with my boss back in 1994 and caught up on many year’s worth of happenings in each of our lives.  My emotional reservoir has been filled!  Yesterday truly was a day of revival and rest!