Any task that we do is a lot easier with some kind of plan. The smart thing to do in the beginning of any task is to size it up. For example, if you need to cut firewood, it’s a lot more difficult with a dull blade. First, check to see how sharp your blade is. Then, devote the time to sharpen it. What skills do you need to sharpen in this year? How band when will you sharpen them? Even after sizing up your task, ask is there any additional steps that I’m still missing? For example, if you don’t have the foresight to bring a pair of gloves, your hands will soon blister. Those blisters will slow you down later. Do you need to update or service your equipment, or do you need to hire any additional headcount whose abilities complement your weaknesses? After you’ve prepared, ask. Which trees should I be cutting? What if you accidentally cut down a tree on your neighbor’s property? You would be upsetting that neighbor needlessly.