Getting in the right gear at the right time can improve your life significantly

The 5 Gears

Based on the book by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram – How to be present and productive when there is never enough time.

There is an appropriate gear for every part of your day. If you’re in the correct gear, your day will be a whole lot more rewarding, calm and fulfilling. You can learn how to be in the correct gear.

5^th gear – FOCUS MODE

This is your cruising gear. Totally focused on something 100%. You have closed your office door. If you work from home you may move to a quite café. You have your phone on silent. 5^th gear has a start and a stop.

Tips – Use a do not disturb sign. Plan/schedule in. Go somewhere else. Hold up 5 fingers.

Unhealthy – cynical of others who are naturally in 2^nd/3^rd gear. Overuse of 5^th gear then crash. Long term relational issues as not investing in relationships. Working too hard. Tunnel vision.

4^th gear – MULTI-TASKING MODE

Allows you to juggle a variety of tasks at the same time or in close succession.

Tips – Prioritise. Have a to do list. Set boundaries. Be ready to shift gears.

Unhealthy – waking up in 4^th gear. Obsessed by tasks. No boundaries on your time. Drained and never fully charged. Wired and tired at the same time. Being unable to get out of 4^th gear and shift to another more appropriate gear.

3^rd gear – SOCIAL MODE

This is the oil for the engine. Where relationships are maintained and friendships are built. Conversations may develop in to 2^nd gear. The right 3^rd gear conversation at the right time can have high impact.

Tips – Still ensure you schedule time alone / recharge time. Practice 2^nd gear conversations in a 3^rd gear environment. Commit to deepening one friendship.

Unhealthy – procrastinate and miss doing 4^th gear work. Remain superficial. Feel like you’re wearing a mask. Gaining identity from the social space.

2^nd gear – CONNECT MODE

This could be conversation with your best friend or partner. It could be quality time with one of your children. Be ready to listen attentively and focus on the other person. Ask questions.

Tips – Put technology aside. 2^nd gear takes practice. Be intentional. Give of yourself. Take time to connect.

Unhealthy – talking too much / too long. Desire to go deep keeps you from 3^rd gear. Unrealistic expectations on others to connect.

1^st gear – RECHARGE MODE

This is completely unplugged. It’s the most effective tear to start your day in. It’s doing what brings you life. Doing what brings you energy. It varies from person to person. Know your way to recharge.

Introverts – Reading. Exercise. Meditation. Time alone.

Extraverts – Time with a coach. 2^nd gear time. Concert/movie. Speaking to others. Exercise.

Unhealthy – over focus on diet/exercise. Binge on TV/reading. Escapism from reality. Rely on very small number of relationships.

Reverse gear – RESPONSIVE

This is when you might need to make a U tern. Being quick to say sorry. Being honest about making a mistake and owning up. Sometimes reverse is necessary to take you in a different direction. You may need reverse before choosing another gear.

Tips – Being ready to say sorry. Being willing to make changes. Being ready to change direction.

Unhealthy – always apologising. Blaming yourself. High self-preservation. Fear. Using apologising to get what you want/manipulate. Not committing to things. Letting others down by changing your mind.

Be intentional about using the gears correctly. If you know you’re starting your day in the wrong gear, commit to doing something about it. If you’re never having 2^nd gear time with your partner or children, commit to creating the space for this to happen. Get an ‘accountability buddy’ to help to keep you on track.

Enjoy using all the gears J Let me know how you get on.

Jackie