“Once upon a midnight dreary” – actually, let’s make that a December afternoon. Might have been dreary; I can’t remember. Almost a year ago. That is when I swore to utter two phrases nevermore!

• Too much to do
• Not enough time

These are victim words. “Poor me!” Of course there is too much to do! How could there not be? And we all have 24 hours in a day. Period. Bemoaning the fact accomplishes nothing.

Furthermore, these are cop out words. To utter them is to abdicate responsibility for making the tough decisions about priorities.

Since consciously dropping them from my vocabulary, I have been happier, less frustrated, and more productive. I have also felt less guilt about the things I can’t get to. In the meantime, my business has soared. Coincidence? No. Cause and effect? Not that either. But I am convinced there is a strong connection.

When you make those tough choices, you focus your time and energy. When you complain, agonize, or feel guilty, you waste your time and energy.

Improve morale and productivity by banding together to abolish those phrases and replace them with clear priorities!