My brother is known in the family as the master breakfast maker in large part because he grills bacon to perfection. While I was watching his craft last weekend, I asked him what he attributes these skills to.
“I do the bacon one thing at a time,” he said. “I know that some people would have the bacon frying while the sausages are browning while the eggs are cooking, but then none of them get the attention they deserve.” The way he does it allows him to focus on the bacon item separately and ensure that it isn’t over or undercooked while he attends to the other dishes. The bacon consumes all of his consciousness until he moves on.
I hear often from employees who are trying to fry the bacon while also cooking the sausages, eggs, toast, and about seven other entrees. They may get it all done, but their “bacon” is likely not achieving perfection because of the split attention.
Most people don’t have the capacity to dedicate single-focus on every item, but your whole output will be improved if you have one element that wows. Figure out what your “bacon” is – what would provide the greatest impact if done at the highest level – and carve out the ability to give your undivided attention to creating that signature piece.
