Next-to-Nothing Goals
I saw a Ted Talk by Christine Carter recently discussing the concept of "next-to-nothing" goals. The idea is to learn a new habit by setting ridiculously small goals that will move you to the larger goal. It could be something as simple as walking for just one minute as a goal toward becoming a runner later on.
In my book Put Your Data to Work: 52 Tips and Techniques for Effectively Managing Your Database published by ASAE, one of the tips is "Spot Check Your Data." In that tip I suggest taking a minute or two during the day to "scroll through your contact list" to see if you can identify any errors in the data (e.g., duplicates, typos, etc.). This is a great example of a "next-to-nothing" activity that can have a real impact long-term.
I write frequently about weeding the garden in data management. Spot checking your data is another way to keep the weeds away. Make it one of your "next-to-nothing" goals.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
“If you keep doin’ what you’re doin’, you’ll keep gettin’ what you’re gettin’.”
“If you keep doin’ what you’re doin’, you’ll keep gettin’ what you’re gettin’.” I saw […]
Rather than adding something new, try subtracting
Rather than adding something new, try subtracting I read recently that sociological research suggests, when presented […]
It’s always people, process, and technology
It’s always people, process, and technology I speak and write a lot about people, process, […]
Once it’s lost, trust can be difficult to regain
Once it’s lost, trust can be difficult to regain I recall hearing once long ago […]
Share your successes!
Share your successes! I was speaking at an association meeting recently and one of the points […]
What are YOUR data integrity reports?
What are YOUR data integrity reports? Sitting in an AMS demo with a client recently, […]
You might have to do SOME of the work yourself!
You might have to do SOME of the work yourself! Many, many years ago I […]
Don’t manage to the exception!
Don’t manage to the exception! One of the universal truths about data management is, wherever possible, […]
It’s always about improvement
It’s always about improvement Talking with a client recently, she expressed frustration about one particular project […]
Don’t be a hoarder!
Don’t be a hoarder! The simple truth is that it’s almost “free” to collect data. […]