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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.
5th 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. 5th 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 2nd/3rd gear. Overuse of 5th gear then crash. Long term relational issues as not investing in relationships. Working too hard. Tunnel vision.
4th 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 4th 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 4th gear and shift to another more appropriate gear.
3rd gear – SOCIAL MODE
This is the oil for the engine. Where relationships are maintained and friendships are built. Conversations may develop in to 2nd gear. The right 3rd gear conversation at the right time can have high impact.
Tips – Still ensure you schedule time alone / recharge time. Practice 2nd gear conversations in a 3rd gear environment. Commit to deepening one friendship.
Unhealthy – procrastinate and miss doing 4th gear work. Remain superficial. Feel like you’re wearing a mask. Gaining identity from the social space.
2nd 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. 2nd 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 3rd gear. Unrealistic expectations on others to connect.
1st 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. 2nd 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 2nd 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
Five gears, just like a car. I like this post. When I drive I like to be in 5th gear whenever I can1
Yes, just like a car. The analogy works really well as this model is all about being in the right gear at the right time. It’s no use being stuck in one gear all the time! There is a correct gear for each area of our lives – and using each of them well.