The Lazy Innovator: My Journey to Smart Efficiency

Rethinking “Laziness”

When I say I’m lazy, what I really mean is that I’m always on the lookout for a smarter way to do things. To me, being lazy isn’t about avoiding work—it’s about avoiding unnecessary, repetitive work. Instead of accepting the status quo, I believe in spending a bit more time upfront to get a task right the first time.

The quote (probably mis-attributed) to Abraham Lincoln that encapsulates this idea is “If I had to chop down a tree, I’d spend 50 minutes sharpening my axe and 10 minutes doing the job.” So, yeah – sharpen the axe –invest time in preparing and refining your method, and the execution becomes a breeze. I mention it once to illustrate the mindset—it’s a one-off reminder, not a repeated refrain.

This philosophy has not only shaped my professional life but also influenced how I manage my day-to-day tasks and the mindset I’ve taken as a leader, parent, volunteer. I’ve learned that saving time isn’t about rushing through tasks; it’s about planning and setting things up so that you don’t have to repeat the effort.

A Glimpse into My Early Days

Let me take you back to the summer of 1990. I was working a data entry job for the Sutherland Group in Pittsford, NY. Every day, I found myself copying data from one system to another—a routine that, while straightforward, was incredibly monotonous. Even then, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a better way.

During that summer, I realized that the repetitive task of transferring data wasn’t just tedious; it was inefficient. Instead of spending hours on a task that had to be done over and over again, I asked myself, “Is there a way to do this just once and let the system handle the rest?” That question was the spark that led me to explore automation.

I began to tinker with the fundamentals of databases and learn Foxpro, an early database software. I remember staying late after work, poring over manuals, and writing simple scripts to automate parts of the data entry process. What started as a small experiment soon grew into a full-fledged passion for automation. I wasn’t just trying to make my job easier—I was laying the foundation for a career in technology.

That summer taught me two key lessons:

1. ‍Question the Status Quo: Even the most routine tasks can be opportunities for innovation.
2. ‍Invest in Preparation: Spending extra time upfront can lead to significant time savings later.

These lessons have guided me throughout my career and continue to influence the way I approach challenges every day.

From Data Entry to Database Mastery

Before diving into the world of technology, I was just trying to make sense of a seemingly endless string of numbers and asked the simple (yet naïve) question – “why am I doing data entry from a computer printout?  Isn’t the data already in the computer?” The routine of endlessly copying data back and forth made me wonder about the underlying systems—and how they might be improved (and of course, makes me a Severance superfan now).

My curiosity quickly turned into a mission. Instead of accepting the tedious nature of my work, I dedicated myself to learning the basics of database management, and eventually SQL. I started with the simple goal of automating the data transfer process. Slowly but surely, I began to see the bigger picture: technology wasn’t just a tool for efficiency; it was a pathway to innovation.

Learning about databases wasn’t just about picking up a new programming language—it was about understanding how data could be organized, queried, and manipulated in ways that minimized repetitive tasks. Each new command and query taught me that with the right approach, even the most mundane job could be transformed into something far more efficient.

This experience at the Sutherland Group was a turning point. It wasn’t long before I realized that the mindset of doing things right the first time could be applied to any challenge, whether in technology or life in general. I started to see every repetitive task as an invitation to innovate, an opportunity to streamline, and a chance to grow my skill set.

Embracing a Mindset of Continuous Improvement

The drive to save time and eliminate repetitive work has been a constant theme throughout my career. Whether I’m developing a new software solution or just rearranging my daily schedule, I always try to ask, “How can I make this process better?”

This mindset of continuous improvement isn’t about being perfect—it’s about recognizing that even small changes can lead to big results over time. Instead of jumping straight into action, I find that a few extra minutes spent planning and preparing can make all the difference. It’s a principle that’s served me well, both professionally and personally.

I’ve come to understand that the best way to save time is to spend time ensuring that the job is done right from the start. It might sound counterintuitive, but by focusing on quality and efficiency in the planning stages, I avoid the pitfalls of having to fix mistakes later on. This approach has allowed me to work smarter, not harder, and has kept me motivated even during the most repetitive tasks.

For me, it’s not about cutting corners—it’s about finding the right solution so that I don’t have to keep doing the same thing over and over again. And in today’s fast-paced world, that kind of efficiency is more valuable than ever.

Building ClearPoint Strategy on a Foundation of Smart Efficiency

When Ted and I decided to launch ClearPoint Strategy, we did so with a clear vision: to harness technology to create lasting, efficient solutions. We weren’t interested in quick fixes; our goal was to build systems that addressed the root of the problem once and for all.

The principles we developed early on—questioning routine tasks, investing in smart planning, and always seeking a better way—became the cornerstone of our company’s ethos. At ClearPoint Strategy, every project starts with a careful analysis of the workflow. We ask the tough questions: Where are the inefficiencies? What can be automated? How can we design a solution that saves time not just today, but well into the future?

One of our early projects perfectly illustrated this approach. We were thinking about how to manage the measure series for data that gets stored in ClearPoint.  At a previous company, we made the simplifying assumption that customers would only need 4 series, and it was tempting to just repeat that decision since it worked well enough there.

But then we started thinking about the problems that our (at that time potential) customers would be trying to solve.  Would four be enough?  Should we move to eight?  Or twelve?  Or change our approach completely and allow users to create as many series as they needed to solve their problem?  Of course, we went with flexibility, a decision that cost us a lot of upfront development time, but created the capability for us to solve complex customer problems in a way we could not have done it before.  Is that lazy?  Maybe not.  But I think it might be “smart efficiency.”

At ClearPoint Strategy, this isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the way we think about everything. We believe that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that the best solutions are those that eliminate the need for repetitive work. It’s a philosophy that’s light on pretense and heavy on practical results.

The Everyday Benefits of Smart Efficiency

I often find that the philosophy of smart efficiency extends well beyond the confines of work. In everyday life, I’m always looking for ways to simplify routines and reduce repetitive tasks. Whether it’s automating my personal budgeting or streamlining my morning routine, the same principles apply.

I’ve discovered that a little bit of planning can go a long way. For instance, instead of trying to remember every little task throughout the day, I now spend a few minutes each morning planning out my schedule. This simple habit has saved me time and reduced stress by ensuring that I’m prepared for whatever the day might throw my way.

The goal is always the same: invest a little extra time at the beginning to reap significant rewards later. It’s not about perfection—it’s about finding a balance that works for you. And as anyone who’s ever been overwhelmed by a mountain of repetitive tasks can tell you, that balance makes all the difference.

Lessons Learned from My Journey

Looking back on my career, a few key lessons stand out:

1. ‍Question Routine: Every repetitive task is a chance to ask, “Can this be done better?”
2. ‍Invest in the Process: A little extra time spent planning and preparing can save you from having to redo work later.
3. ‍Embrace Automation: Whether it’s learning SQL or exploring new software, technology is a powerful tool for eliminating redundancy.
4. ‍Keep It Simple: Efficiency isn’t about complexity—it’s about finding simple, sustainable solutions.
5. ‍Stay Curious: The willingness to challenge the status quo has been one of my greatest assets, both in my early days at the Sutherland Group and throughout my career.

These aren’t revolutionary ideas. They’re the kinds of insights that come from years of working with technology and learning from both successes and failures. They’re reminders that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back, reassess, and find a smarter way to do things.

Technology as a Gateway to More Time

One of the biggest misconceptions about technology is that it’s all about speed and instant gratification. In reality, some of the most effective solutions come from taking your time and doing things right from the start. In our rush to get things done, we often overlook the value of careful planning and preparation. But as my own journey has shown me, a well-thought-out solution is worth far more than a quick fix.

I’ve found that technology can be a great equalizer. It offers tools and methods that let you work smarter, not just harder. Learning database management (and later Java, then Python, then Java, then HTML/CSS, then JavaScript, then TypeScript…) were not just skills I picked up on a whim—they were the keys to unlocking a world where tasks that once took hours could be done in a fraction of the time. And that’s not just about saving time; it’s about creating space for creativity and innovation.

At ClearPoint Strategy, we take pride in building solutions that aren’t just functional—they’re built to last. We’re not in the business of temporary patches. Instead, we aim to craft systems that address the root of a problem, so our clients can focus on what matters most. This approach has transformed the way I look at technology. It’s not just a tool for efficiency; it’s a gateway to more time, more creativity, and ultimately, a better way of working.

Finding Joy in Efficiency

I’ve always believed that there’s a certain joy in discovering a simpler way to do something. When you finally crack a problem that has been wasting your time, it’s not just a win for your workflow—it’s a personal victory. That sense of accomplishment is what keeps me motivated, even when the task at hand seems mundane.

I try to approach each challenge with a sense of curiosity rather than frustration. Sure, it might be tempting to just power through a repetitive task, but I find that pausing to think about a better way makes the work more enjoyable—and the results more rewarding. It’s a small shift in perspective that has had a huge impact on my life.

I’ve seen how this mindset can positively influence those around me as well. When colleagues see that there’s a smarter way to handle a task, they often catch on. It creates an environment where innovation is not just encouraged, but expected. And that, in turn, makes for a workplace that’s not only more efficient but also more fun.

Balancing Efficiency with a Bit of Humor

Let’s face it: no one likes being told to work harder or to invest endless hours in planning. The beauty of my approach is that it’s all about balance—finding ways to work efficiently without overcomplicating things. I try to keep a sense of humor about the whole process. After all, if you can laugh at the absurdity of doing something the hard way when a simple solution exists, you’re already one step ahead.

I remember a time when a team member joked that a lot of the old, manual processes that are still done every day by managers around the world were like “using a typewriter in a world of laptops.” It was a light moment that reminded me how far we’d come—and how a bit of creative thinking can turn a tedious task into an opportunity for improvement. That kind of humor keeps the atmosphere relaxed and makes the journey toward efficiency a lot more enjoyable.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my journey, I’m constantly reminded that the quest for efficiency is never really finished. Technology evolves, new challenges arise, and there’s always another process that could use a fresh look. But that’s what makes this work so exciting: there’s always an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.

I remain committed to that core idea I embraced all those years ago—that spending a little extra time to get things right upfront can save an enormous amount of time later. It’s a principle that has guided me from my early days of manual data entry to the dynamic, innovative work we do at ClearPoint Strategy.

Looking ahead, I’m excited by the new tools and technologies emerging all the time. Each one offers a chance to rethink our approach to everyday challenges. Whether it’s a new programming language, an innovative software platform, or a fresh way to analyze data, I see every new development as an opportunity to continue refining the way we work. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being open to improvement and recognizing that even small changes can lead to big gains.