If you make a to-do list, refer to Things or another app, carry a Franklin-Covey planner, or subscribe to the “One Thing” theory, you probably remind yourself of your marching orders every morning. You ask yourself, like I do, “What am I supposed to do today?” Before you read any further, take a minute and think about that question. What are your marching orders for today? Get them firmly in your mind.

Now, let’s answer another question before we read any further. What obstacles are in your way today? What might keep you from reaching your objectives?