A story about why I think being good at planning makes you good at cooking.
"That person is really good at planning, aren't they?"
Have you ever felt that way at work?
Like with a capable boss or senior colleague. Of course, this also applies to subordinates and junior colleagues.
And I've had a thought for a while now.
I suspect that people who are good at planning are almost certainly good at cooking, too.
The reason is that those kinds of people really have very little wasted time.
While a stew is simmering on the stove, they quickly finish the dishes, prepare the frying pan they'll need next, or prep the ingredients for miso soup.
……Isn't thisalmost the same as planning work?
People who only see the "now" versus people who see a "little bit ahead"
I think people who are good at planning move with these things in mind.
The task currently being done
What will be needed after that
What can be done in parallel
While thinking about these three things simultaneously, theyaccurately choose what needs to be done right now.
For example, even when making materials for a meeting,
they are always focused on and executing "what can be done now, what is better to do now," such as
"I'll print this out in the meantime" or "While I wait for my boss's confirmation, I'll prepare the next document." I think that
ultimately leads to overall speed and a sense of reliability.
Conversely, I feel that people who are bad at planning often only see "what is right in front of them."
They stop working, wondering, "Once this is done... what's next?"
When that happens, even though they are working hard on each individual task, they end up being perceived as "slow" or "stuck" overall. It's a very sad thing.
Cooking is perfect for training your "planning skills"
When I think about planning skills, I always remember "cooking."
For example, when making dinner.
Cooking rice
Make miso soup
Make the main dish
Make a side dish
Clean up the dishes
I'm sure you've all experienced this, but trying to do all of these at the same time actually takes a lot of brainpower, doesn't it? You want to serve hot food while it's still hot, and you want to serve all the dishes at the same time. You also want to get some of the cleaning done.
For someone like me, just losing focus for a moment turns the whole kitchen into chaos. I end up putting all my effort into just one step at a time, like staring at food while it's cooking in the microwave (crying).
But people who are good at planning can naturally do things like,Oh, I'll do this while I have a moment.
They don't miss any 'gaps' in time, like washing what can be washed while something is on the stove.They just don't miss any 'gaps'.I even feel like they have simulated which tools to use in what order. I can only assume they have a clear scenario in their heads.
This is someone I am currently following (and who follows me).
Their meals are full of vibrant colors and look delicious.
I don't think you could create this every day without a considerable amount of planning ability. They think about nutritional balance, and it looks beautiful too.
I truly think their family is happy, and I wish my wife would learn from them!
(Oh, I wrote something unnecessary! lol)
Planning is also a form of thoughtfulness
When you hear the word 'planning,' it sounds like a special skill. But in reality, it's simpler; I think it's the 'ability to imagine a little bit ahead.'
When this person looks at this document, where will they get stuck?
What kind of questions will come up in the meeting?
Should I cut this ingredient now so it's easier to use later?
By always thinking about 'what's coming next' and acting accordingly.
That is, in other words,thoughtfulness.
Preparing things before the other person is troubled.
Having what is needed ready before the other person even asks.
People who can do that are surely smart in both their work and their cooking.
To improve your planning skills
A common state for people who are bad at planning is being 'too absorbed in the current task to have the capacity to think about the next one'.
Of course, focusing on the task right in front of you is a good thing. It helps prevent mistakes in that specific process. But that alone isn't enough to be prepared for the next move that follows, is it?
In cooking terms, it's like finishing the side dishes and then realizing, 'Oh, I didn't cook the rice!' (laughs)
That's why, first of all, isn't it important to 'have an image of the whole process, even if it's just a rough one'?
What is the flow of the work I'm doing today?
What is the goal of creating this document?
What preparations can I make right now?
Just by doing that, your planning ability should change significantly.
Conclusion
Planning ability often goes unnoticed, and there may be few opportunities for it to be evaluated. But I believe it's a skill that definitely and gradually pays off, both at work and in daily life.
If there is anyone who feels, 'I might be a bit bad at planning...'
Things you can do 'right now'
Visualizing the whole process
I recommend trying to be conscious of these things little by little.
Things will surely go more smoothly than before, and the level of fatigue for both you and those around you will be different. And if there is less rework, the overall atmosphere will improve as well. You can work comfortably.
Why not try being a little conscious of these things in the 'dojo' known as making dinner tomorrow?
...And as for me, regarding my wife's home cooking,
'Delicious!'
or
'Extremely delicious!'
I only ever say one of those two things (laughs)
I wonder if this is also a case of activating the power to imagine what lies a little bit ahead?