Some days feel harder than others. Recently, a day began with my brain scattered in fifteen different places. An important negotiation was failing, an acquisition had collapsed, and nothing seemed to be going right. It was one of those days that lingered even as it ended, carrying its weight into the next morning.
To regain a sense of control, I started a simple list that day of “wins” and “hits”. By the end of the day, the list revealed something surprising: 6 wins and only 1 hit. No matter how small those wins were, seeing them written down shifted my perspective. Instead of focusing on the struggles, I left my office with a clearer, more positive outlook.
This list is called “Wins and Hits”, not “Losses”. Losses feel final, but a hit is something to recover from and learn from—it is not a knockout punch. Thinking of it this way helps focus on resilience, not failure. (And yes, the Chumbawamba song plays in my head too: “I get knocked down, but I get up again…”)
Running a business often feels like a balancing act. Between managing customers, handling projects, attending meetings, and tackling never-ending administrative tasks, it is easy to feel like you are barely treading water. One of the simplest tools for regaining clarity and focus is to make a list.
And what better time to focus on list-making than during the season of “making lists and checking them twice”? Here are some of the lists I find most beneficial:
- Daily To-Do List. This list captures immediate priorities. Focus on tasks that can realistically be accomplished in one day. If projects feel too large, break them into smaller, manageable steps. Aim to complete this list at least 90% of the time.
- Long-Term Project List. Big picture initiatives often get lost in the daily grind. Use this list for projects that require sustained effort, such as updating a website, launching a new service, or building a marketing plan.
- Business Goals List. Define the overarching goals that guide strategic planning. Revenue targets, hiring plans, or market expansion should all have a place here. This list should be revisited at least annually.
- The One-Year and Five-Year Lists. Create a vision for what the business looks like after the next year and the next five years. These lists act as roadmaps, connecting daily actions to larger ambitions.
Lists provide structure in the chaos of business operations. They highlight achievements, offer clarity, and ensure that short-term tasks align with long-term goals. I think they are well worth the investment!
UPDATE TO BOI FILING REQUIREMENTS UNDER CTA
In my last newsletter, I discussed the requirements for filing beneficial ownership information (BOI) under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Since then, there has been an important development. On December 3, a federal court in Texas issued a nationwide injunction halting enforcement of the CTA, including its BOI reporting requirements.
As a result, FinCEN has confirmed that reporting companies are not currently required to file BOI reports while the injunction is in effect and will not face penalties for failing to do so. That said, voluntary reporting is still an option for those who wish to file. The injunction is under appeal, so this situation may change, and I encourage you to monitor updates closely.
For more details and official guidance, visit: https://fincen.gov/boi
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