Get results by acting on
your good intentions

1. In May I wrote about Dan Carlock, the rescued scuba diver who feared he was going to die leaving too many undone tasks for others to wrap up. I encouraged you to make a concerted effort to work on your unfinished projects. How many did you complete? Are you enjoying the serenity of fewer loose ends?

2. I also wrote about seniors "rightsizing" their possessions before moving into smaller quarters and suggested that no matter what your age, it's never too early to do the same. Did you "rightsize" one room or area? Do you now have there only what you need, use and love?

3. In June I suggested that you keep the public areas of your home neat. Are you now able to greet unexpected visitors with a warm welcome instead of embarrassment?

4. I also encouraged you to start early and avoid the last-minute scramble before a deadline. Are you now doing the "leisurely stroll" more often than the "last-minute shuffle"? Is this holiday season more relaxed and under control?

5. In July I suggested that checklists could help us to work smarter, not harder, by reminding us of details or removing the nagging factor with our children. Did you create a checklist for your children, home or work?

6. I also wrote about making each and every day the best of your life. Our attitude about life and our day is crucial to how we value and use time. If today is the best day, we won't spend it slacking off or being a couch potato. Are you making today the best of your life?

7. In August I shared with you some thoughts about simplicity and the elegance of just enough. Are you refraining from excess? Have you restored a sense of tasteful elegance to your home and life?

8. I also wrote of a lesson I learned from a military wife, that the sooner we complete a project (in her case, organizing and decorating her Hawaii home), the longer we can enjoy the benefits. I invited you to make a list of unfinished projects. Did you bring at least one to completion? Have you been enjoying the pleasure from completion? Are you being careful to promptly finish current projects that you've started?

Have you been a doer or just a reader? Have you acted on the suggestions in this column, or have they stayed in the realm of good intentions only? Action is needed to see results. It's about time get into gear and act! You can do it!

See you in two weeks!