Your Mental LEAN System

Everyone is on the lookout for ways to work smarter and get things done more efficiently. Many companies are turning to LEAN consultants to help streamline their processes and eliminate non-value-added activities. But what if I told you that you already possess a built-in LEAN system right inside your brain? It's true, and it's called your working memory.

Think of your working memory as your mental sticky notes – it's like the notepad where you jot down essential information temporarily. It's what helps you remember your to-do list, hold onto instructions, and keep track of all the little details you need throughout your workday.

Think of LEAN as the Marie Kondo of workplace efficiency. LEAN is all about decluttering your processes, minimizing waste, and making everything run smoother. It's like tidying up your workspace but for your work processes.

Breakthrough: Working memory is your mental LEAN system. It helps you declutter your mind and streamline your tasks, just like LEAN principles help declutter and optimize your work processes.

So how can you optimize your approach to work? Borrow some of the ideas from LEAN and use your brain in the best possible way.

Here are 10 ways:

1. Mindful Sticky Notes: Treat your working memory like those sticky notes. Write down your most critical tasks and information. Use digital tools, planners, or old-fashioned paper and pen. This will free up mental space.
2. Declutter Your Workspace: Just as LEAN encourages a clean workspace, declutter your physical workspace. A tidy desk helps reduce distractions and improves focus.
3. Prioritize Tasks: Your working memory can get overwhelmed if you overload it with too much. Prioritize your tasks so that you're only focusing on what's most important at the moment.
4. Break Tasks into Chunks: Like breaking down a complex process into manageable steps in LEAN, do the same with your tasks. Your working memory can handle more if it's in bite-sized pieces.
5. Use Visual Aids: Visual cues help both in LEAN and working memory. Create to-do lists, Kanban boards, or flowcharts. Visualizing tasks can ease the cognitive load.
6. Practice Multitasking Mindfully: Multitasking can be like juggling tasks in LEAN – efficient if done right. But don't overload your working memory. Balance tasks thoughtfully.
7. Regularly Review and Reflect: Just as LEAN promotes continuous improvement, reflect on your work. What went well? What could be better? This helps your working memory learn and adapt.
8. Stay Organized: Organize your digital and physical files. A well-structured system saves you from rummaging through folders, just like LEAN's emphasis on an organized workspace.
9. Take Breaks: Your working memory needs rest, just like LEAN principles promote downtime. Short breaks rejuvenate your cognitive abilities.
10. Stay Healthy: LEAN emphasizes employee well-being, and your brain is no different. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. A healthy lifestyle supports your working memory.

Now that you reached the bottom of the list, you've probably already forgotten the first few tips. That's your working memory discarding excess information. It's working already!

But all joking aside, take a look at the list above and pick three things you're going to do differently so you can declutter your mind, boost productivity, and streamline your work, making you a workplace efficiency champ.

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Have a restful weekend!

Dr. Sharon, author of "The Stress Advantage" and "The Solution to Burnout"

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