How to Be More Productive in One Simple Step

Batching — that’s the answer

The automobile industry recognized the benefits of batching when they created the assembly line.

What I mean by batching is doing one thing at the same time. Let me explain with examples:

My mom makes the best soup in the world. She is closing in on 80 years old so I thought it important to learn how to make it for my own grandchildren. We set aside a day for me to capture her on video and in still photos making three of my favourite types of soup: beef vegetable, chicken noodle, and tomato.

In addition to making three soups at the same time, we also batched the vegetables for another time. We cut enough cauliflower, celery, carrots, and onions to fill 8 freezer bags. Then the next time I want to make a pot of soup, the vegetables are already cut and ready to go.

Another way I batch things for improved productivity is as an editor for Koinonia publication on Medium. When there a few articles in the queue, I first go to each draft and add our logo at the bottom, then I go to each article and ensure the titles and subtitles are strong. Then I check that scripture is put in the right format. Lastly, I check each of the photos to ensure they are the right size and credited properly. I find it much quicker to ensure consistency in each our stories when I batch edit them in this way.

Another example is working in the garden. Gardening can easily feel overwhelming to me and so in frustration, I have been known to throw in the towel — or in this case the trowel. So I’ve learned to batch my plan.

I will seek out all thistles in my gardens and only pull those. I will purposely bypass the other weeds and just pull thistles. I feel much better about accomplishing this one feat and getting it…

Related posts:

Hi everyone! If this is the first time reading any of my content I just want you to know one thing, no matter what you hear, you are unique, authentic and everything you’re meant to be. I hope this…

A poem to celebrate the daily act of spiritual freedom. “Happiness is the Art of Mental Gardening” is published by Roo Benjamin in ILLUMINATION.

Public speaking is an important skill that can help you convey your message effectively and connect with your audience. Whether you are delivering a presentation, giving a speech, or hosting an…