I once flipped an ingredient filled omelet too soon and the soggy mess landed on top of a gas burner. Breakfast was delayed by at least 15 minutes. The next time, I waited until the omelet was semi cooked and then flipped it…too slowly. Half of it folded in a contorted, unappetizing way, as there wasn’t enough flipping momentum for a somersault. Breakfast was scrambled. Next time, don’t think, just do. And without hesitation, I flicked my wrist and it landed exactly back on the pan cooking the sunny side. My pounding heart returned to normal.
Sometimes, measured actions with the best of planning end in spectacular failures. And then there are times when things are done with determined swiftness, success may follow—coupled with surprising results!
I have since flipped many eggs and my daughter has either watched or done some herself. The lesson we both learned is timing is king. While the gathering of essentials (the ingredients), having the right tools (pan with hot oil), and preparation (cook until bottom is ready) still must take place in an orderly fashion, the final execution is definitive decision making.
In life, too often, decisions must wait for excessive collection of sometimes contradictory data and over-consultation from fleeting stakeholders. And even still, small decisions are formulated for fear of making big mistakes. Over time, much work and commotion produce tiny progress.
The old adage of getting out of the kitchen if one can’t stand the heat, should be updated. Since we can’t avoid a kitchen, better get used to the heat.
In cooking terms, deliberation over a hot stove would surely burn the bottom. Delay some more and the omelet will stick to the pan and flipping won’t be possible at all!
The fact of the matter is that, in making breakfast, eggs will break; cheese will be grated; the kitchen counter will get wet and messy; and somewhere along the way, a coffee might even get spilt. But all is forgotten when breakfast is plated with a bit of garnish on top and toast is properly buttered and jammed. The clean up can come later as the conclusion of a good meal—on full bellies and nourished souls.
We’ve made hundreds of decisions since (omelets or otherwise), and it’s still formulaic. Gather the essentials (ingredients or data); get the right resources in place; (utensils or subject matter expert); prepare the work by creating a plan; and execute. Implicit in the final step is never to step away from a burning gas stove. In other words, always monitor the progress.
Anxiety may be present and perhaps it’s a barometer of confidence, but fear and hesitation have no place. The old adage of getting out of the kitchen if one can’t stand the heat, should be updated. Since we can’t avoid a kitchen, better get used to the heat.
