Learn from the chefs to boost your writing
Whenever I plan to embark on a writing project, I apply the "Mise en Place" concept, a French culinary term that means "everything in its place."
It's a strategy that world-class chefs swear by when they do the setup required before cooking and is often used in professional kitchens to organize and arrange the ingredients.
Imagine a bustling kitchen. The head chef, calm and collected, and isn't frantically cursing (a la Gordon Ramsey) while he searches for ingredients. Everything—from chopped vegetables to precisely measured spices—is meticulously arranged and ready for action.
Similarly, as a writer, your "Mise en place" involves setting the stage for a productive and enjoyable writing experience.
It's not just about organizing your physical workspace; it's about pre-planning, organizing, and preparing your environment and mind for the creative task ahead.
Here's how I apply "Mise en place" to enhance my writing outcome:
🎯 Preparation is key: I meticulously prepare my physical workspace, ensuring a tidy desk and a clean, focus-friendly room. I even sometimes vacuum the room before I get started.
And if you don’t believe me, listen to the experts. Research published in Harvard Business Review highlights the negative effects of clutter, including focus, eating choices, and sleep, emphasizing the importance of a tidy workspace for health and productivity.
🎯 Essential tools at hand: I neatly arrange my daily planner, pen, noise-canceling headphones, and phone for easy access before I begin my project.
🎯 Line up your scribblings: I go through the notes I took during the week, whether I jotted down plot ideas for my novel idea on a walk or a LinkedIn post idea I narrated to Otter while driving.
So, if you want to supercharge your writing productivity, embrace 'Mise en place' in your writing routine.
Clean your desk, organize your thoughts, and arrange your tools; creative magic will surely happen.
Writers, what’s your Mise en place routine?
*********************************************************************************************
➡️ I have distilled my over two decades of writing and publishing experience into an online academy where I provide courses and coaching. Learn with me here.
🎙️ Podcast: If you want to hear interviews with authors and publishing industry professionals, make sure to check out my podcast, Read and Write with Natasha