1. Honesty is the best policy. When dealing with clients, I am always thinking of them FOR them, not just about how many billable hours I can get out of this project. If by leveraging an open source project it can help them save $x versus in-house solution that may not be necessary, I tell it like it is. And they appreciate this kind of input and will more likely trust you with bigger and more important projects.

2. Relentless self-education is your ticket to greatness. I agree with the 1-month to 6-month to-do lists, except also make one for self-education on what you’d like to learn or become better within the given timeframe.

Thanks for the “wear shoes” trick. I’ve gotta do that… Wearing pajamas from dawn to dusk is just not healthy for my mental health anymore… I’ve gotta learn to separate “work” from “home” more clearly by something visual and tactical… Usually my 2-year-old son is the mandatory break-enforcement agent. But something that allows him to associate “daddy’s working” would be good too…

Thanks again!