Suppose you’re sitting on the couch watching TV (or reading this blog). You suddenly remember something you need to do—pay a bill, water your plant, respond to that email, file that tax document you got in the mail, whatever.

If you can do something in less than a minute, do it . . . Ummm, now would be nice.

The small but essential tasks are easy to put off, but they can build up. Eventually, when you decide to deal with them, they drain your time and preoccupy your thoughts. Even worse, they can pull you away from more important projects.

Hit “pause” on your DVR, get off the couch, and get to it. You’ll feel better afterward.