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
Asking for more is a good sign…
Asking for more is a good sign… A client who had recently implemented a new […]
Take action…
Take action… “The greatest wisdom not applied to action and behavior is meaningless data.” – […]
The Rule of 100 and 1,000 revisited
The Rule of 100 and 1,000 revisited I’m finding that the “Rule of 100 and […]
You gotta wanna
You gotta wanna Long ago I heard a training consultant say you can’t train people […]
Be careful not to overbuy
Be careful not to overbuy I recently spoke with an association of ten staff that was […]
When is the best time to clean your data?
When is the best time to clean your data? One of the most common questions […]
Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Do the benefits outweigh the risks? As the economist Thomas Sowell points out, there are […]
Painting the Bridge
Painting the Bridge According to this article, the Golden Gate Bridge is painted continuously year-round. […]
Maintenance isn’t sexy
Maintenance isn’t sexy I remember reading once long ago that one of the reasons our […]
“Will I still have a job when this is done?”
“Will I still have a job when this is done? While working with a client […]