Mieka Smiles

RUN my life by a to-do list. Whenever I feel that creeping sense of overwhelm, I take a blank piece of paper and write down with a freshly sharpened pencil — all the things that I have to get through.

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Then, one by one, I tick things off. Progress is made. Control is restored.

As a councillor, journalist and mum of two, this tactic hasn’t just helped me survive. It has crystallised the absolute necessity of having a plan.

When I was first elected seven years ago, as deputy mayor I wish I'd pushed harder for this kind of disciplined approach in local government: a short list of two or three priorities that must be delivered, whatever crazy challenge lands in your lap.