Yesterday, I hung some holiday lights on the front porch of our home.

Years ago, when the weather was warm, I spent a few hours carefully installing special metal clips on the fascia board above our porch. Ever since, hanging holiday lights has been a simple task.

The experience prompted me to consider some bigger questions:

• What am I doing today that will help my future self?

• How can I thoughtfully create something that will be an ongoing benefit?

• What assets am I taking time to cultivate?

• How can I be smart today ... such that I’ll be grateful tomorrow?

Doing something properly one time can often pave a smooth road for years to come.