Comments on Maureen's blog: Out of the mouths....

I agree, that obsessive focus that makes one succe...

2006-04-17T17:20:00.000-04:00

I agree, that obsessive focus that makes one successful isn't something you can force to happen. And its not something you can shut off at will either.

There are many such behaviours I have, where it's generally a positive trait, but for my lack of abilty to turn it off it can become a problem. I just try to get a little better every year. "Try" being the operative word ;)

Although dividing "work" from "home" is a constant...

2006-04-17T11:11:00.000-04:00

Although dividing "work" from "home" is a constant battle for me (currently I share a 700 square foot apartment with my girlfriend, which doubles as an office) I've found that a personal symbolic language is a powerful tool in creating these divisons. Create a ritual at the beginning of the day that says, "I am beginning work." If you commute, that can be enough, as long as you consciously decide on the commute as the bookends of your work-day. If you really do like doing some work at home, do something to visibly create an "I'm working" zone around your work area, which you can turn off when you're done.

A good source of ideas for these kinds of miniature rituals is japanese culture. For example, watch what a sushi chef does at the beginning and end of preparing a meal.

I like the rule of thumb. It's very comforting to...

2006-04-17T07:21:00.000-04:00

I like the rule of thumb. It's very comforting to have something that simple.