There are nearly 100 things on my backlog of ideas I want to do something with.

For all I know, something in that list will take me and my business to the next level.

When I get fixated on such thinking, I’ll start thinking about how I can knock an increasing number of things off the list.

I sometimes try working longer hours, taking shortcuts, or I fall into the trap of trying to multi-task.

Regardless of which strategy I choose, it rarely helps me get ahead. Truthfully, it often makes me feel like I’m moving backwards or doing shoddy work.

At some point, though, I’ll remind myself of one simple truth: I will never finish my list of things I want to do, so whatever I accomplish today is the right thing.

I will always be thinking of new ideas and therefore adding to my list of things to do. It’s also OK to remove something from the list if it no longer seems like a good idea.

The same is true for you and the people you lead.

There will always be more work to do. (If not, you have a different type of problem).

Asking anyone to work longer, harder, or to multi-task will not get you the outcomes you want.

In fact, human nature is that quality will suffer when you push people to deliver to an impossible set of deadlines or scope.

Trust that whatever can happen today is the right thing. Then, look for ways to help things work better, with less waste and improved quality.

Keep doing that, and I think you’ll find you’re getting through more of the list every day.

You’ve got this.