Wed Aug 16 - How To Work Hard: I am so easily distracted by the myriad of things I enjoy doing. The downfall: I can find myself doing some things well, many more things only in a mediocre fashion, and missing some things completely. I hate the feeling of failing, and even worse of performing in a mediocre way because I simply couldn't stay focused. I know I have a gift for multi-tasking and doing much, but to those whom much was given, much is required.

I struggle constantly with focus so that those things I =have= to get done, get done in the most honest way and with the highest of integrity. Some of my friends know this is what I struggle with, and some of them are gentle reminders that I need to stay on the righteous path. (Dayle and Ismay come to mind immediately, as friends who's approval matters highly to me.)

Earlier in the year, I added a post-it note to my desk at work and in my car of the key points in my life that matter to me. Over the year, I've added to it and refined it. Hmm, I was going to quote the list, but I cannot find it on my hard drive. Oh, well, I'll quote it later. Suffice to say, the first bullet point reads: "Honest and Integrity."

Today I was listening to one of my favorite podcasting radio shows and the host was talking about how we have no problem with the concept of reward for things we've earned so how would we have a problem with consequences for things that we've done wrong? And it hit me in a pointed way: The flip-side of the coin for my lead bullet, "Honest and Integrity" is just that, "Consequences."

And this is the leading reminder I need whether I work from home or work from an office: In all things when I am "On the Clock" I need to remember both Honesty-Integrity/Consequences. This kept my distractions so well at bay, and I felt so proud of my employer-work at the end of the day. I'd worked hard, I'd earned every dollar I'll be reporting on my time card, and it made me feel like I've got a handle on how to battle distraction in life in general.

Now this evening I have a To-Do list that is too long to complete in an evening, but it's easier for me to prioritize my To-Do list again, and think about how to organize my non-Work hours and my non-Work To-Do lists with a notion that I'll be able to get things done in an honorable and full-attentioned manner.

And I plan to sleep at a reasonable hour tonight, so I'll wrap this up for now. Good night my darlings.

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Today's Blessing That I'm Thankful For: Neil Savaadra. You do a great radio show, and you made so much sense to me today.

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P.S. Oh! I almost forgot! I got an email from an old high school friend back in Ohio about our 20-year high school reunion, to be held over Thanksgiving weekend! Wow!