System layers

When studying systems thinking, we come across many systems with multiple layers to them. Many systems can be viewed through the layers that make it up.

When we are creating systems in our personal life, we can use the concept of layers to help achieve our goals. But what could this look like from a personal improvement standpoint?

Years ago, I realized that I used layers when I exercised. I would listen to music, ride a recumbent exercise bike, and read at the same time. Sometimes I would substitute writing for reading, but either way, I would incorporate those 3 layers.

Some people would be distracted by this. I found that it kept my attention on something interesting and engaging (the book or writing) and the time would fly by. I would forget that I was exercising, allowing more time on exercise than otherwise. If the book started to lose my interest, the music was there to pick it up. And the rhythm of the music kept me going at a fast pace.

In fact, I wrote my book, You Can’t Surf from the Shore, and most of the articles on ScottMiker.com using this method. It became a habit. Every morning I start my day with this routine and often take part in it again in the evenings. I love it. It gets my heart moving, gets me to physically exert myself while my head focuses, leaving me calm, relaxed, and content afterwards.

I couldn’t accomplish this without the layers. I couldn’t split it all apart and have the same benefits. They needed to be layered into the system.

But most people know this on a basic level. If you have a laundry basket to fold, it is easier to do if you have the TV on. Or if you play some background music. The same for cleaning your house.

Those examples have 2 layers. They make the “system” much better. It is more efficient, more enjoyable, and easier when we have those layers combined. Try to fold all the laundry and then listen to music and it won’t provide the same value.

I encourage this layering approach as much as possible. Sure, some will end up watching TV and not folding clothes at an appropriate pace. But if you can overcome that, it could provide a steady rhythm to your work.

That is where the popular railroad work songs started. “I’ve been working on the railroad…” By incorporating singing into their work, the day would go smoother, and they would accomplish more. Layering made the work more enjoyable and helped production.

Distraction can be the enemy of focus. Or it can provide just enough to allow you to focus on smaller tasks. Sure, if you try to swim and read a book, those layers don’t work together. But there are plenty of ways to work layers to create efficiency.

Another layer I use is to take advantage of my commute to the office to practice speaking. I go through various trainings in my car on the drive in. It helps me focus on it without pressure. It forces me to ignore any visual tools such as a slide deck. I can focus on how I present the information.

I often find that this car ride practice helps me work out the kinks. I often start talking and going in a direction that doesn’t work. But since I am doing it in the car by myself, I can stop and think, “I don’t want to express it that way again.” I learn from it and have a better process when I actually go through the training with students.

When I was younger, I often worked out with friends. We played football so we would get together to complete the required summer lifting. The layers had the social element that made working out enjoyable. Plus, there was someone there when I tried to bench too much and got stuck with the bar on my chest, unable to free myself.

Find ways to layer your approach to improvement. Don’t feel guilty about adding in other elements. When done strategically, they can enhance your efforts. And if it is something you don’t enjoy doing (like cleaning the house or exercising) adding a layer might be the missing link to finally hook you so it becomes a new habit that sticks.