One Touch- One Decision
Apply the one touch- one decision making approach whenever you make decisions about new tasks such as email processing and interruptions. It helps us to be more mindful about what activities we commit to, when and how they should be done.
There are two mindsets involved, triaging and processing. The first is to determine whether or not you will actually take on the task. This is important. In the past you may have found you simply moved straight into “doing” without considering whether you should or should not take on the task.
Our new habit is to ask ourselves: “Do I need to do something?”
Consider whether there is alignment between the task, and the priorities in your role. When you have multiple tasks to triage, keep this hat on, working through each task making decisions as to whether you should, or should not do them.
The next step is to determine when you should do the work you’ve decided to action.
Ask yourself:
- “What is the next step?”
- “How long will it take?”
- “Can I do it now?”
If the task takes less than five minutes and can be done straight away. Do it now.
If the task takes more than five minutes or can’t be done straight away. Schedule the task into your diary or task list.
Once completed, file, throw out or delete the request.
Calls to action:
- Decide on the time-wasting habits which have the greatest impact on you and focus on them for the next two to four weeks. Once you feel confident you’ve mastered one habit, return to this page and choose another.
Habits to work on:
| Old Habit | New Habit |
| Constantly checking email | Email batching |
| Messy Desk/Workspace | Clean Desk Policy |
| Letting yourself get interrupted | Batching communications |
| Unnecessary meetings | Asking: Is this meeting really necessary? |
| Unproductive meetings | Always have an agenda, stick to your agenda, always have outcomes, allow time after every meeting for follow up |
| Poor planning | Weekly planning (Friday or Monday) |
| Procrastination | One touch-one decisionBetter Scheduling |
| Lack of energy | ExerciseHealthy eatingMindfulness |
| Gossip/Politics | Build relationships Understand but don’t get involved in politics |
Let us know how you go.
Keep moving forward,
Cholena xoxo
The Mindful Workweek 