Shifting Gears… Tips to Help Juggle Multiple Projects!

If you have had the pleasure of driving a manual transmission car, motorcycle, or farm vehicle, you know what happens when you try to shift from one gear to the next without engaging the clutch. You hear a rather unpleasant grinding sound… and probably get a nice mechanic bill as a bonus.

The same thing can happen during our busy day of back-to-back meetings and trying to squeeze in some project work between. Our work becomes less productive, and that grinding sound you hear may be your teeth out of frustration!

There are some ways we can take control of our day and build in some ways to help our minds “shift” from one thing to another without causing undue stress. Organization plays a huge part and taking ownership of your schedule (as much as you can) is a key aspect.

1)?????Create small blocks in your schedule to work on related tasks after meetings. For example, you have a meeting this week on Thursday to discuss 2023 budget. Block 30 minutes immediately following the meeting to complete any action items from the meeting. Your head will still be thinking about budgeting and knocking out some of your assignments while you are still “in the zone” will keep you focused and result in more productive work.

2)?????Create a buffer before a meeting where you are presenting. As a trainer, I do this frequently. Setting aside 30 minutes before a presentation allows a run through of the deck, get my head in the correct frame and concentrating on the topic – not trying to immediately bounce from the last meeting discussion!

3)?????Interrupted? – make a note. You are working on something and must get on a call or address an immediate customer need. A sticky note can do wonders to help you keep your place. Make a quick note on what the very next thing you ere going to accomplish or tackle. Then when you dig back into the project – you have a little reminder of the next step you wanted to accomplish.

4)?????Speaking of sticky notes, button up your day. One of the best ways to relieve stress and stop thinking about work at the end of the day is to have closure. Write down a few bullet points of things you want to tackle tomorrow, based on where you left off today. This simple process of writing it down forces your brain to recognize an end point of the day, allowing your mind to shift gears away from your desk – so you can eat dinner not worrying about finishing up that quote tomorrow.

Its important for your stress level to occasionally pause, push the clutch, and give your “mental motor” a chance to shift into the next project or task. Like an engine, smooth shifting will help your brain run smoothly!