The big problem is that your mind keeps reminding you of things when you can't do anything about them. It has no sense of past or future. - David Allen

An ambient angst pervades our society — there’s a sense that somehow there’s probably something we should be doing that we’re not, which creates a tension for which there is no resolution and from which there is no rest.

One insurance executive I worked with described the major benefit he derived from implementation of this system: “Previously I would just tell everyone, ‘Sure, I’ll do it,’ because I didn’t know how much I really had to do. Now that I’ve got the inventory clear and complete, just to maintain my integrity, I have had to say, ‘No, I can’t do that, I’m sorry.’ The amazing thing is that instead of being upset with my refusal, everyone was impressed with my discipline!

Clearing the deck is great, but sailing adventurous waters is the real game. (Just can't do it w/out a clear deck.)