‘Two is one, one is none’ (Or: Have a back-up)
‘Two is one, one is none’ is a common expression amongst Navy SEALS. It means: have a back-up.
If you usually carry one pen, carry two. One notepad, carry two. One calculator on your desk, a spare in the drawer. Ditto staplers, hole punches and post-its.
Always two, never one.
I am not suggesting that you load your pockets or start lugging a huge backpack around. But consider the time you lose searching out a calculator when you misplace yours or lend it to a colleague. Or the time lost scrambling to find a pen when your only one has run out.
It is far more efficient (and, if, say, you are running a meeting, far more effective) to have a back-up immediately to hand.
Other examples might include having ‘back-ups’ of your house keys, car keys, ID badge and, if you use public transport, your pre-paid card. Consider the time lost, and the frustration, when you misplace any of these items — we have all been there, usually on mornings when things are already running late. Having a spare, and a system for making sure the spare is always where it should be, will help you avoid time lost to those hair tearing aggghhh-where-on-earth-did-I-put-my-[blank] searches.
The reduction in stress will also make you more effective; you will be calmer and more able to focus on the day/tasks ahead.
Having back-ups of a few critical items protects your time — and your sanity.
Two is one, one is none.
For more content like this, follow me on ‘X’. Or, sign up to the weekly e-mail. If you enjoyed this over a coffee, consider buying me one here.
Dr. Denry Machin is an educational consultant specialising in teacher training and new school start-ups. His most recent book, ‘International Schooling: The Teacher’s Guide’, can be accessed here.
