When things get really busy, instead of just plowing ahead, trying to work as fast as you can, and just going through all the tickets, he always would tell me ‘step back and come up with a plan. Look at what dishes you have, and figure out the most efficient way to cook them.’ So, if you have five of one thing, don’t just cook them one at a time. Get them out, prep them together, and do them together.

~ Sam Kass, former private chef to the Obamas
Shared in Tools of Titans

This was shared by Sam Kass, referring to lessons learned from the main chef during his first kitchen job as a sous chef.

It is good advice to apply in other areas of life.

When is it a good time to take a step back and figure out how to do the tasks ahead efficiently instead of just busily?