I Need Tough Love - episode 151
Here’s the thing. I learn from every single person we have on, and Jessica Stoeckeler, this week’s guest, is no exception. Becoming a mom she saw a need for clean products and joined a company that embraces that philosophy. A self-described stressed-out person, Jessica sought relief with CBD products, and found another company that has the integrity she values. She shares both with others while working full-time and having a family. The power to choose, and become a part of things we believe in. That’s Jessica.
I know I for one needed to hear how Jessica manages her time. She has a lot of responsibilities and to attend to those well she needs a system that will help get her there. The takeaways for me: 3 things to get done each day, certain days for certain tasks, and timed blocks on the calendar. More structure. More accountability. More productivity. And that’s not a bad thing if you balance it with the other important things in your life. Ask Jessica. She knows.
Motivated. Positive. Compassionate.
— Jessica Stoeckeler
One Thing at a Time
Thoughts from I Need Tough Love
I benefit with each conversation I have on the podcast. Certainly Jessica was no exception. I marvel at her ability to have a full-time job, two side-hustles, while being married and raising two kids. Some people really are good at juggling! Her structure and systems seem to work very well. I certainly took down notes about how better to utilize my time and I’m not working full-time, my kids are raised, and I am not currently monetizing my side hustles. (Think this podcast and blog.)
According to my research, planning is the most important time management technique. And it turns out there is no shortage of systems that can assist you - Getting Things Done, Dale Carnegie Training, the Eisenhower Decision Matrix amongst others and of course there are the apps - Trello, Rize, Forest, Notion and Spark.
As you get started:
Do a time audit
Block out distractions
Schedule yourself
Avoid multitasking
Insist that others respect your time
Keep your call-to-action in mind
Get enough down time and rest
Yes, looking at where time is actually spent is a good idea if you’re wondering how to be more efficient and effective. For many of us it’s the phone. Of course we want to keep in touch, and we want to be available for an urgent request or an emergency but that’s not what we are typically doing on the phone. It’s the rabbit holes of social media, the news feed, etc. Nothing wrong with some ‘fiddle around’ time. We all need it. We need to make sure to keep it all in check, and balance. Maybe I’ll set a timer when I want to go down a rabbit hole so I don’t get too carried away. There’s an idea. Do I really need to know more about A Bay Area exterminator was stunned to find 700 pounds of acorns hidden in a house’s walls? Maybe.
I like the idea of a schedule. I’ve resisted having one now that I’m not working for someone else. Ok, so I can roll into the morning but what about after that? I think I’d benefit from having certain blocks of time be for specific tasks. When you’re raising kids, working, you can’t help but have a schedule. It’s been a luxury, one I’ve enjoyed, not having to adhere to a uber-planned day. Perhaps it’s time to meet somewhere in the middle.
Multitasking. Do you remember when, not too long ago, we thought it was a good idea to do two things at once and that we could get way more done? So many meetings with one person sharing an agenda item, a couple of people listening, and the rest of the people on their devices. I look back now and cringe. I remember being called to a specialty meeting of a few people to share some of my insights about a particular project. I think two people were listening. Another was on her laptop the entire time and made no real eye contact with me and minimally participated. I wondered, Huh, why is she even here? I don’t remember what the fourth person was doing. It’s funny how her lack of attention to what I was saying had an effect on me. That was back when I was sharing with leadership I didn’t think we should all be on our devices during our weekly meeting. Otherwise what exactly was the point? Some time later that same gal gave a presentation on why multitasking is not effective. I give her credit for learning.
In looking up why multitasking doesn’t work, it turns out the brain cannot focus on two things at once. When you insist on doing two things your brain bounces back and forth between the two tasks at hand. (Mom, I’ll do better at not typing when I’m talking to you.) Studies have shown you lose focus and memory, your productivity decreases, you end up more disorganized, and inconsistent in your results. Yikes! That does not sound good. For myself I know I need to calm my ‘Type A’ side down and focus on one thing at a time. It’s challenging when your nature is to do, and to do some more. I don’t think I could ever have a job where you stand still the whole time. Think security guard, grocery store checker, etc. I would rather move. Think food server, nanny, etc. Maybe I need to try Jessica’s calm gummies! Until then, one thing at a time. It’s better that way.
Focusing on one thing without interruption is how you get meaningful work done.
— Nate Green
