When Preparation Becomes the Problem
The Art of Doing More with Less Prep
I love to cook (even though I'm not doing too much of it these days).
Picture this: eggs, vanilla, milk, bread, cinnamon, flour, sugar... the makings of a perfect French toast.
Conventional wisdom and Master Chef would tell you that each of these ingredients should be measured out and placed in separate bowls before you start your culinary journey. It's the "mise en place" philosophy - everything in its place.
While there are good reasons for this method, let's be honest about the cons:
1. The time it takes to find the right size and amount of containers.
2. The visual overwhelm caused by seeing more clutter on your kitchen counter.
3. The mountain of cleanup that awaits once breakfast is made.
These three factors, in particular, kept me from making one of my favorite breakfasts on a regular basis. What I realized was that the effects of the preparation were stressing me out and turning something I enjoyed into a chore. Sound familiar?
So, what did I do about it?
I challenged myself to make it as easy as possible, which for me meant limiting the amount of prep I needed to do. After some research, I stumbled upon a recipe that was pure perfection - not because of its ingredients, but due to its process.
Enter the one-container method for making the easiest, fastest, and clutter-free French toast you've ever seen. All I needed was a blender.
Mind. Blown. Breakfast. Changed.
I was making French toast every weekend for weeks because I was so in awe of how easy it all felt. The recipe allowed me to focus more on making the French toast instead of putting all my energy towards getting ready.
Now, this isn't a picket line against preparation in all cases. I believe in planning that moves you forward and doesn't overwhelm you. That's why I'm very particular about the way I plan my days.
But when preparation is preventing you from starting or progressing, then it might be part of the problem.
This French toast revelation got me thinking:
How often do we overcomplicate things in our lives?
Are there areas where we're so focused on perfect preparation that we're missing out on the joy of doing?
Whether it's cooking, work projects, or even planning family activities, sometimes the best approach is to simplify. Find your metaphorical blender - that one tool or method that streamlines the process and gets you to the good stuff faster.
Remember, the goal isn't to abandon preparation altogether. It's about finding the sweet spot between being prepared and being paralyzed by preparation.
So, I challenge you this week: Look at an area of your life where you feel bogged down by preparation. Is there a way to simplify? To "blend" your process into something more manageable?
You might just find that, like my French toast epiphany, a simpler approach leads to more frequent enjoyment and less stress. And isn't that the recipe we're all really after?
Here's to finding your blender moments and savoring the sweet taste of simplicity!
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Have a beautiful week and continue the good work towards being rich in what matters most!
P.S. If you need any support in getting unstuck and carving out time for what matters most, let’s chat about how we can start creating a life you love!