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We can’t do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere.
Elder Richard L. Evans (1906–71)

I have quite a lot of content ready to edit and post, but I wanted to share some thoughts that are going through my mind at the moment.

I am the kind of person who likes to learn (a lot), likes to achieve (a lot) and likes to make the best use of my time (life is short). This means that I have quite a lot that I want to try (new things) and a lot to get through (existing things). As I’m trying to eliminate and simplify this doesn’t sit well.

I think there comes a time where I just need to accept that I can’t do everything, and rather than analyse or question this I need to just get over it and move on.

I have found attempting to single task, eliminate, prioritise and focus in my work life has helped. If 20 things to do hit you in an hour and you already have 5 things you must do today, just accept that you won’t get everything completed. If you have sound systems in place and you are able to manage peoples expectations effectively you’ll be fine. Remember most so call ‘critical issues’ at work are manufactured emergencies. Sure, some of these are genuine, but the key is learning to control these and remained focused on the bigger picture of what needs to be achieved.

From a personal point of view we have to accept that we can’t have, be or do everything that we want. But this does not mean that we shouldn’t try. However we must remained focused and aware of our relative fortunate position. Put it this way, if you are reading this then you are in a very fortunate position. You not only have access to the technology to view it, but also live in a society that allows you to view this content etc. etc. You could be starving, abused and suppressed.

Tips for getting over the fact that you can’t do everything:

1) Accept it.

2) Focus on what is really important (eliminate what is not).

3) Use your time effectively (don’t waste time on trivial tasks, out your time to best use).

4) Keep focused on the bigger picture (long term).

5) Reduce you desires (if you don’t want for something you won’t miss it) - extra tip: reduce exposure to things that create wants such as marketing, email lists, pointless window shopping, if you don’t know something exists you won’t want it or miss it.

6) Be thankful for what you have and what you can do.

Most of what we want to do comes from desire. Whilst you should strive to achieve what you want and have what you want, just put things in perspective and thing what is really important and how best to use your valuable time.

Look at the blades of the fan in the back of the computer. Also look at any vents. Is there clusters of dust there? Is there grime caked on to it? If so, the inside needs to be cleaned. If the fan blades are clean but it has been several years since you have cleaned the motherboard or if the computer is around cigarette smoke, it probably should be cleaned anyway. Dust and particles in the air (like cigarette smoke) can build up on the circuitry of the motherboard and cause it to heat up and/or corrode.

The first thing that you need to do is unplug your computer. Then open up the case to get access to the motherboard. Cases open differently. If you don’t know how to open your case, look on the back of your computer along the edge for some screws. These screws may hold on side panels or an upside down U shaped panel that covers the sides and top. Removing the screws will allow you to take off the cover. Other cases have the screws on the front of the computer. To get access to these screws, you must first remove the front panel by pressing a hidden latch. The cover is there to give easy access to the inside of your computer, so if you look hard enough, you should be able to figure out how to remove it.

Remember that if you touch anything on the motherboard, you should be grounded by either touching the metal frame of the computer with your other hand or by wearing a special grounding device.

The goal of cleaning the motherboard is to remove all dust and debris from the motherboard and all components inside of the case. This can be done using one of three methods.

The preferred method is to use a can of compressed air to blow it out. Always hold the can in an up-right position to prevent the propellent chemicals which can damage or corrode components from coming out. Dust and dirt should be blown away from the motherboard and out of the case.

Another way to remove dust is to use a vacuum. The common advice is to only use a battery operated vacuum because an AC powered vacuum causes static and static can ruin the motherboard. I have used an AC powered vacuum (before I knew that it was not recommended) to clean my motherboard many times and it has never caused any problems, but I may have just been lucky. When using the vacuum, keep the nozzle a couple of inches away from the motherboard or any other components so that it does not come in contact with them and so that any small parts are not sucked into the vacuum.

If you do not have a can of compressed air or a vacuum, you can use a dry cloth and brush to clean the motherboard. Be careful not to dislodge or break anything using this method.

While cleaning the motherboard, be careful not to unplug any cables or connections or to dislodge any loose components, such as, jumpers.

Methodically clean the whole inside of the case going over all of the motherboard from one end to the other and all other components. Don’t forget to clean the fans and heat sinks. Do not open up the power supply box or stick anything in it beyond the fan. If you do, you could get a shocking surprise and ruin your computer.

If your computer does not work when you put it back together, something was obviously dislodged during the cleaning. Open the case back up and push all connections and cards into their slots. Look for anything that may have become disconnected.

Cleaning the motherboard is probably the most dangerous form of cleaning but it is necessary to prevent an early death of your computer.

I finally got everything organized and cleaned up in my computer room and decided to rearrange while I was at it! Check it out:

This is where all the magic happens. lol. ;D