We all have our problems in life. My friend Kriste had to survive a brain tumor last year. My brother has to hope that his newspaper job continues to be one that is not deep-sixed. My older son will soon be having to learn how to live as a civilian — and a father — as he returns from Iraq. Problems are universal, and they all share this lovely feature: only the ones that we live and experience belong to us.

That makes them precious.

My problem right now is all the things I want, and need, to do — and the simple fact that I am terrible about getting anything done. So I have to learn how to get things done. It doesn't have to be everything; it just has to be all the important things that, if left undone, will make me sad and disappointed to have left undone. Which means I have to learn to be efficient, disciplined and focused. These are not traits that come naturally to me.