Grinding Your Gears

How many times have you heard the phrase “hit the ground running” used negatively? Likely never. But if I suggested you start your morning commute in 4th gear driving your manual shift sports car you might have a different reaction. That’s crazy. You can’t do that. Well, technically, it’s within the realm of possibility, but not for long without an eventual breakdown.

At GiANT, we have a visual tool to help you see that there are actually five different gears and each one has its place.

Two quick things to notice here.

First, many of you will immediately see that you’re starting your day in 4th gear task mode. Checking email, following up on unfinished tasks, texting inappropriately early to your colleagues, etc. The problem is that once you’re in task mode, it’s hard to pull out of that gear. So much so, you’re likely coming home at the end of the day still in 4th gear which brings us to the second point - you need to match gears with the important people in your life. Find a way to turn off task mode before you get home so you’re ready to engage with your spouse and kids. You might use a visual cue like the corner gas station. When you see it, start to downshift and consider what that initial conversation will look like when you walk thru the door. Time for 2nd gear.

Check out the graphic above and match up your calendar to the appropriate gears. Being in the right gear at right time will keep you from needing to employ reverse very often.

Hit me up for a conversation here before you need a new transmission!