I thought I’d start this journey by sharing the simplest idea that’s made the biggest difference to how I have worked in busy jobs and kept my sanity.
“Do one thing at a time”
I first came across the idea of doing one thing at a time over a decade ago during a Lean project. At the time it felt like a random work idea, that didn’t feel realistic when you saw the kind of busy days we were all having and interruptions. But it’s only in the last few years that I’ve realised how much of a difference it makes, but at work and at home if you can crack this most of the time. There’s a lot of talk about getting good at multi tasking but you’re actually switching between tasks. If you’re in training and drift off to answer emails you’re not doing either well.
I found by really focusing on whatever the task is before I move into something else, the more I get done in the time and the calmer my nervous system as you’re not trying to remember lots of things at once.
I have found this true at home too and really makes a difference to the quality of the time with my son. Ever tried to hold a conversation with another grown up and have one eye on the small people? They usually make it very clear attention is divided and you end up achieving neither! I much prefer ring fence time with my friends and family if I want a good old chat, and keep expectations low if we are all getting together with kids in tow. Just shifting the expectation lowered stress levels and I can feel them jump back up when I forget this and try and do both.
A few things that have helped me do this more often:
- Decide to try it. Make a commitment to start and finish things where you can.
- Know what matters today. Have a quick moment to set your priorities so you feel you’ve achieved something.
- Give yourself a realistic window – this helps us stick to the one thing at a time.
- Reduce the noise. Close the tabs, put the phone away and let yourself be in the thing you’re doing whether that is at home or work.
I’m not perfect at this — far from it — but when I remember to slow down and choose one thing, everything feels a little lighter. And that’s really what I’m aiming for these days: not perfection, just a bit more ease.
Coachingwithjen 