(Writing for 1st Feb)
Mick was told by Elizabeth, his manager, to create a pre-sales presentation for their company’s product. Mick noted that in mind, but hadn’t started working on that thinking that this may be one of the tasks which Elizabeth might forget and is not in the priority list. This assumption was taken by Mick as while communicating about this presentation, she didn’t mention the deadline which she usually used to give for the tasks.
Mick was comparatively relaxed and working on the daily list of items which he has to work upon as an executive. The relaxed period continued until Elizabeth bumped upon him and asked about the status of the pre-sales presentation. He fumbled in replying her and mentioned he will start on that soon. To her surprise, she blurted out why has he not started when the deadline is tomorrow and the next day they have to give the presentation. The anxiety nerves went all through his body and he nervously replied back that he will ensure that it is complete by tomorrow.
Mick went to his desk and took few deep breaths and tried to regain his composure. After 10 min, he thought of an earlier idea which emerged into his mind while his daily run. The idea was to focus on the next 10 min and only 10 min. Not more than that. This will ensure that he is truly focused on the work which he decide to do in that next 10 min. That was just an idea until this project gave him an opportunity to execute the idea. He started with that and opened a blank ppt on his laptop and with full focus started thinking and typing about the content which he has to write about the product. Things started flowing and it became a bit interesting and comparatively easier. He didn’t have the anxious moment of thinking about the presentation being delivered to the client. Rather his full energy was in this current moment of making the ppt to the best of his ability and knowledge.
He focused fully on creating a masterpiece at least from his side. He wanted the presentation to be his best. While working on that 10 minutes after 10 minutes after 10 minutes, he didn’t realize he spent almost rest of 6-7 hours in office and the first draft of the presentation was ready. He was satisfied about what he has done. While driving home, he has the peace and smile that he is not worried and he was engaged in the task he was given. He was deeply satisfied that the idea which he got out of blue, could be implemented. The next day he worked for few more iterative 10 minutes and came up with the final version of the presentation. Elizabeth was happy with the presentation and it went well with the client too.
Rather than worrying about tomorrow, day after tomorrow, next month, next year and any dreadful day (in your imagination) in future, if you focus with all your energy in the next 10 minutes, you can cool your nerves and can devote to the tasks in hand. This way you will always remain in present. However bad the situation be, if you accept it and then work upon the task which you have to do to come out of the situation at least for the next 10 minutes, it will not be long when the 10 minutes can become 4 to 5 hours. This will increase your productivity and will give you immense satisfaction.
