1 min read“To-do” or “To-K”?
by Guy Gage | November 11, 2012 | Business
You also have another list. Sometimes it’s hidden on your to-do list. Sometimes it’s just in your head. But you have one. It’s called the “to-K” list, or to- kick-the-can-down-the-road list.
This list is the list that tracks the things you should do but you continually put off because you have little motivation to complete them.
The list is made up of things like:
The call you should make
The meeting you should arrange
The conversation you should have
The project you should complete.
You should, but you don’t. You put them off. Why?
Because you’re lazy
Because you’re afraid the result won’t turn out good.
Because you’re confused about where to begin.
Because it will be uncomfortable
Because [pick your usual favorite reason]
The result of kicking the can down the road? Regret, embarrassment and anxiety. None of these are good and you are doing it to yourself. Not only that, kicking the can only makes things worse, not better. Your delayed response leaves you fewer options, increases the chances of a bad result and gnaws away at you incessantly.
This week, look over your to-do list and put a K beside the cans you’ve been kicking down the road. Select one and make a commitment to complete it.
Do it. Do it now. For the sake of your client, your firm, your staff…YOURSELF!!
Read Related Blogs:
Same Goals, Near Year?
The start of a new year brings fresh goals, fresh energy, and fresh intentions. But if we’re being honest, many of those goals look suspiciously like last year’s. You know, the ones that quietly fell apart and we barely even noticed. So, before we roll out the same...
Stop Assuming Your Managers Will Figure It Out
The role of manager is often the weakest link for firms in transition. When managers fulfill their responsibilities, they create bandwidth for partners to do firm-building work, they develop staff to be competent and engaged, and clients enjoy working with them. Yes,...
What Are You Making Space for This Year?
As CPAs, we enter 2026 carrying the weight of tax and audit deadlines, not to mention keeping up with the ever-evolving regulations. But leadership isn’t just about managing compliance, it’s about creating capacity for what truly moves the needle. This year, what are...

