Hi, Jon:)
,
First ... what Jane said.  This is a very comprehensive and thoughtful collection of wisdom and your sharing of it is much appreciated.

I have to admit that as I read your points, I remembered a old saying from my military days, which goes "When in trouble, when in doubt, run and holler, scream and shout".  Pretty much describes how many who attempt to work without following your excellent set of guidelines will end up.

Possibly the most valuable point you make is in the introduction, where you say " ... life is messy":).

If we are honest, much of our activity and energy goes toward fighting this concept.  We want things to be orderly, neat, predictable, and manageable.  However, when we take your advice to set our foundations clearly, the messiness is less of a threat and our days become easier to move through.

Shoot, I suspect we may even enjoy life and work a bit more, when we approach it using your guidelines.

Appreciate this well-stated and comprehensive post, which could easily become a book:)

John