Some may call it
being stuck in a rut, I call it following a routine. By performing
tasks in a set order, every time, I find there’s less chance for me
to forget an important step. I find this especially important now
that there are times I tend to not recall if I did something or
remembered to take something important.
Setting a routine
also helps me gauge where we are in terms of the workday, and whether
we’re ahead of things or falling behind. Based on what time it is
and what task I’m currently performing, I can see where potential
delays are about to occur, or even if we can advance to another task
and try to get things done early.
I even arrange my
work area in a certain fashion so I know where everything is and I
know what has and hasn’t been finished. Some may know the term
mise en place – a term used in cooking to mean having everything
you need, from tools to cookware to ingredients and garnishes,
prepped and ready to be put together with a minimum of guesswork, if
any. I’ve adapted this to my work, keeping things in a certain
place and order, minimizing clutter and allowing me to focus on the
tasks at hand.
Do I get thrown out
of whack when my routine is disrupted? Sometimes, but I can recover
fairly quickly simply by getting my system back in place and stepping
back into the routine. It may take me a moment to gather my
thoughts, but once I do, it’s all good.
I'm with you. I love my routines. I enjoy shaking them up every now and then, but after a day or two off-routine, I'm always happy to be reminded that there is a reason I do things the way I do.
ReplyDeleteFound you through AtoZ.
(forgot my link:) Doesn't Speak Klingon
ReplyDeleteYes: mise en place! This is important for both remembrance and efficiency.
ReplyDeleteMechanical tradesmen often use the term "put pattern" which essentially means the same thing. If you're well organized, you can get the job done! :)