Then Monday Night Football comes on, and a lot of people get a reason to text each other. Some are watching at a bar, some are on the couch, and some are only checking the score between dishes. Either way, they have something to talk about that has nothing to do with work.

I think that is a big part of why the game has lasted so long. It turns an ordinary Monday into a small event, and small events are what help a week feel like it belongs to you.

If you are watching tonight, send the score to someone you have not talked to in a while. It is an easy way to start a conversation, and you might both feel better about the week ahead.

Most of us made a list in January. Some of it got done. A lot of it got moved to "after summer," and summer is now officially over.

I do not think the answer is to panic and try to finish everything by December. I think the answer is to pick one thing from that list that still matters and give it the next ninety days. One thing is enough to make this a year you are proud of.

So tonight, before the week gets away from you, write down that one thing. Then go to bed a little earlier than usual. October will still be there in the morning.