Four times a year I take a morning, a pot of coffee, and the same four questions: What earned its place? What drained more than it paid? What am I avoiding? What is the one change that would make next quarter quieter?
Numbers first, feelings second
I read the ledger before I consult my mood — income by client, hours by project, the buffer’s trend line. The numbers usually disagree with my instincts, and the numbers are usually right.
Then I make exactly one change. One. Systems survive on modest maintenance, not dramatic overhauls.