Mothers On The Go

I took upon myself the 2 week challenge.

To bring about a 360 degree of change to my parenting, attitude, career, and general well-being as a human. I stumbled upon the 6 Sigma to Parenting( a term I have framed out of desperation and because I am good at labeling all and everything). 02 weeks, 14 days and several hours of mechanized (read) organized behavior.

Is it possible in an environment where the tongue lashes out whatever the mind thinks and democracy is Supreme? With 02 children 3  and 6 y.o, I had set myself an even more challenging task than expected. The  6 sigma expert I took advice from (a  close friend), as she seemed successful and also fit, lean, skin glowing, nails manicured, hair perfectly colored and permed, husband tame, children well- behaved and domestic help always around.

All the ingredients of a successful(I am jealous) living!

She was the last bencher in school! For Pete’s Sakes, and I was the hands-up for everything girl, the class leader, the smart one and now I was seeking advice from her for managing my MIS-Managed LIFE. God has his ways of Revenge, I guess!

Juggling Home and Work

About 6 Sigma: Six Sigma is a rigorous and a systematic methodology(read routine) that utilizes information (management by facts) and statistical analysis to measure and improve a company’s operational performance( in my case my home and life), practices and systems by identifying and preventing ‘defects’ (read lethargy, procrastination )in manufacturing and service-related processes(everyday activities and chores including work and home) in order to anticipate and exceed expectations of all stakeholders(read family and friends and people who matter) to accomplish effectiveness.

6 Sigma to Everyday Life- she said, sipping the lemon tea at my home. I sat in front of her half-listening, thinking constantly- “What do yo have that I a’int got?” Till she snapped her finger, – “You are’nt listening, this has to be a collaborative, concise and measured effort”. So many words from a back- bencher?

Now I know what she GOT!

Focus!

So I agreed to Focus and jump in to the fray. Anyways, here are some tips she suggested and I have been following to some degree.

Pointer No 1: The 5 Whys

She explained with an example to the Washington Memorial( I am not impressed, she must have mugged it all up to impress me).
Fact: The Washington Monument was disintegrating

The 5 Whys
Why? Use of harsh chemicals
Why? To clean pigeon poop
Why so many pigeons? They eat spiders and there are a lot of spiders at monument
Why so many spiders? They eat gnats and lots of gnats at monument
Why so many gnats? They are attracted to the light at dusk.

Solution: Turn on the lights at a later time.

Pointer No 2: The Japaneses Way to housekeeping with the 5S: Wow! This I was interested in knowing. The Japs were experts in all automation.

1.) Sort (Seiri): Put things in order (remove what is not needed and keep what is needed)
2.) Straighten (Seiton): Proper Arrangement (Place things in such a way that they can be easily reached whenever they are needed)
3.) Shine (Seiso): Clean (Keep things clean and polished; no trash or dirt in the workplace)
4.) Standardize (Seiketsu): Purity (Maintain cleanliness after cleaning – perpetual cleaning)
5.) Sustain (Shitsuke): Commitment (Actually this is not a part of ’4S’, but a typical teaching and attitude toward any undertaking to inspire pride and adherence to standards established for the four components)

In other words, I had to clean…more, dust…more, keep in place…more, put back in proper place…more, arrange…more, clean…more and in totality WORK…more.

“Initially Yes”!, she said nonchalantly, “But later there will be an order and technique and you will save a precious minute here and there, adding to several hours and have time to do what you desire the most.”

SLEEP!

That’s what crossed my mind.

SPA! was another.

So I have signed up and accepted the challenge. I will keep you posted from the SPA about its success. Till then “Sore dewa mata“(See you later, in Japanese)