How long, really, will it take? (Jason Womack)

I took this picture in New York on a visit some time ago. I was at that store Anthropologie (Jodi loves it, we go in every time we walk by!) and I saw this great kitchen timer on a table.

As you know, a common theme to the work we do is to "Objectify Everything." O.E.

I am a strong believer in the power of a timer. You see, I can't argue with the clock. I remember a coach of mine telling me this on the track. We were training, it was mid-season, and we were doing some short, intense workouts. (twelve 1/4 mile repeats, on 1:30) If you haven't run 6-minute miles lately (and, let's be hones, who does THAT for fun???), you wouldn't know the challenge this present!

Now, let's leave the track, and head back to your office. Those emails in your inbox? That voice mail you saved? The papers on your desk? That to-do list you wrote down somewhere? How much time are they going to take?

Here's the opportunity: Write a list of the next 20 things you need to get done this week. Next to each on, leave room to write TWO numbers: