Doubt. Everything could turn out fine, sure, but what if it doesn’t? To avoid disappointment, choose doubt as a default posture. Doubt the future, doubt others, and doubt your own abilities. Cling to the life preserver of low expectations and “believe it when you see it.” Assume the worst. Of others and of yourself. “There ain’t no free lunch,” so if you help someone else or are helped by them, ascribe an ulterior motive.

As we discussed on Tuesday, it’s easy to feel bad about what we’re doing or not doing. Here, let me demonstrate. I used to exercise regularly. I’ve run a half marathon. I’ve biked across Iowa—twice. I’m accustomed to being in good shape. But with a 15-month-old daughter, I find myself completely sedentary. I know I should return to regular exercise, but in the immediate future, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Everything by longevity tends to get off course. Everything needs to be corrected. — Jim Rohn Mowing the lawn may be tedious, but we don’t get upset about it. Lawns get shaggy, so we mow them. An oil change is a chore, but it’s no evidence of a personal failing. Motor oil gets dirty, so we replace it. No one feels bad about needing a dental cleaning twice a year.

Yesterday, a colleague and I hosted a professional development event for ~40 colleagues. We invited three amazing speakers, brought in catering, and rolled out the red carpet. The event went great—couldn’t have gone better, actually—but what interests me today is one person’s response to how I advertised the event. I don’t like to get much email (except from you readers), so I try not to send any more than is strictly necessary.

To-do lists deteriorate over time. Maybe you’ve noticed. Have you ever looked at your to-do list and found it clogged with old tasks that are either unimportant, hopelessly vague, or no longer relevant? These tasks slow us down, make our lists long and unwieldy, and induce pangs of guilt when we’re trying to be productive. Give yourself permission to delete these tasks. Scratch ‘em right off that list. Purging old tasks is essential to maintaining any well-lubricated personal productivity system.