Do You Need a Checklist

National Public Radio today had a piece on checklists as a way to improve the performance of surgeons. The point was that experience and knowledge is great, but a checklist provides reminders and can improve the outcomes. Maybe I should have a checklist as a means of improving my skiing day.

I fall into a routine during much of ski season that means arising early enough to gather my gear, make sure I have my lunch prepared and warm up the ski boots over the register before departing at 8:50 A.M. This gets me on the slope by 9:30 A.M. start. However, unless I concentrate, I may forget my hand warmers, leave my cell phone at home or miss including my newspaper for my lunch break. So maybe I do need a checklist!!

Probably a check list would help improve my skiing. Am I edging properly, do I have my hips, arms and body in the right position? Did I finish the turn. Lots to think about.