I am always trying to figure out ways to be efficient. Like, I get really annoyed if I can’t multipurpose an activity into several things. For example, if I go into the supermarket real quick, I find it really hard not to try and make future Jade’s job easier, by preempting something she’s going to need. Consequently, present Jade gets exhausted, confused, and spends way longer wandering around the aisles than is really needed. I have to bring it back to the task at hand.
So for a long time I thought multi tasking was the way, right. But I’ve learnt that it makes me burnt out. So, keeping it simple for me, is focusing on the task at hand, RIGHT NOW.
I have developed this little rule of thumb. It’s called “Three Key Points (3KP)”.
My theory is that we can usually get most tasks done with 3 key points. Whether it’s a challenging work conversation, social media post, or buying food for the week, 3KP is a great guideline to whittle down the garbage, focus your mind, and just get shit done.
So when all I needed from the supermarket was my lunches for 3 days, but my brain is going crazy with alllll the things that need my attention, and the fluoro lights.. and the chocolate on special… ooohh ahhhh… I just have to shut out all the other things, and get that job done. I think to myself, OK, what’s my purpose here? Get some stuff for lunches, spend less than $50, and make sure it’s healthy. Three key points.
Let’s say you’ve been handed a new project to work on. The person explaining it is doing A LOT of talking. Some of which is necessary, but at that point when you’re realising that it’s too many words and not enough sense, you have to bring it back. I challenge you to pose a question…Just ask them what the three key points are! It’s going to save their time, your time, and sometimes everyone’s sanity. They bring their focus back to the handover, think about the three key things, let you know, meeting done.
Another example of how to use the 3KP…
Got a lot of shit to do today? Well. Sit and clear your head for a minute, and allow your three key points to bubble to the surface. Whatever is most pressing on your mind will make itself known, and these are your priorities! And if you get them done, repeat the exercise.
I really think (and am still practising this!) that 3KP can be applied to most scenarios in life. It’s essentially mindfulness for business, life, and existence.
Please let me know if you take this idea on and try it out. Join me on LinkedIn to tell me about it!
Jade
PS. I have created a one page marketing template to help you quickly plan a marketing activity. Would love you to join the community and get that in your inbox!