Enhancing Productivity by Changing the Order of Operations

In this episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vandercam explores a simple yet transformative productivity strategy: changing the order of routine tasks. By re-evaluating the sequence of our daily habits, we can unlock "small efficiencies" that, when aggregated, lead to significant time savings and a more streamlined life.

The Concept of Sequential Efficiency

Laura introduces the idea that many of our daily routines are performed in a rigid order simply out of habit, not necessity. She illustrates this with two primary examples:

1. Shower Routine: Rather than washing and shampooing before applying conditioner—only to "burn time" waiting for the product to set—she suggests conditioning first. This allows the product to work while performing other tasks, making the process "much more efficient."
2. Breakfast Preparation: Instead of pulling eggs from the fridge and then waiting for the pan to heat, Laura advocates for heating the pan first. By the time the eggs are retrieved, the pan is perfectly ready, eliminating the idle time spent waiting for the stove.

The Compound Effect of Time Savings

While critics might dismiss these as minor "hacks," Laura argues that they are particularly valuable for tasks done repeatedly. She notes that "saving little bits of time can add up." For instance, reclaiming two minutes in the shower and one minute during breakfast preparation equates to three minutes saved daily. Over a work week, this could result in "15 extra minutes of sleep," proving that while these adjustments seem small, they are "not nothing."

Scaling the Strategy: Beyond the Individual

Laura expands this logic to broader contexts, noting that larger organizations also benefit from "changing the order of things":

• Educational Shifts: Some schools have implemented "recess before lunch" to help students build an appetite and avoid rushing through meals. Similarly, serving breakfast during the first-period class eliminates the chaotic morning cafeteria rush, allowing students more sleep and potentially more "instructional time."
• Lifestyle Adaptability: Personal circumstances change, and our routines should reflect that. Laura shares how she shifted her exercise routine to the evening, realizing there was "no reason" she had to complete it before her children arrived home from school.

Conclusion: Audit Your Routine

To apply this to your own life, Laura encourages listeners to perform a mental audit of their daily schedule. She poses the question: "Is there some place where you could change the order in order to make your life a little more efficient?" Whether it is "emptying the dishwasher while your coffee is brewing" or multitasking during a grooming routine, the key is to recognize that "life can change, and the order of things can change." By being mindful of our sequences, we can ensure we are "making the most of our time."