New starts are a time to consider what's not working and try new ideas. Also a time to return to ideas that have gotten lost along the way.

Without question, the single most frustrating aspect of the last two years has been the constant falling-forward feeling to my days. The symptom has a clear cause . . . doing too much for too many. In 2008, Waveplace took much more time than was prudent. In 2009, Squeakland did the same, particularly during the last seven months. As a result, other clients were left waiting, along with regular tasks like finances, server updates, and blogging.

New decade, new day. First I'll establish an effective timebox, then stick to it. Three billable hours in the morning, following by one support/email/finances hour. Lunch. Three more billable hours in the afternoon, followed by one sales hour.

Don't break the box!