Movie Life Lessons: Apollo 13 - The Importance of Order in Your Day
It's not just consistent routines that matter. It's the order you do them that makes the difference.
One of my favorite movies is Apollo 13, the 1995 hit film starring Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. It tells the true story of the Apollo 13 mission to the moon as part of the space race that began in the 1960s under President Kennedy. This era saw the successful moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969 and continued with subsequent Apollo missions. By the time of the Apollo 13 mission, public interest in the space race had waned despite the miraculous achievements and bravery of the astronauts.
A Key Scene: The Importance of Order
One of my favorite scenes in Apollo 13 involves Gary Sinise, who plays astronaut Ken Mattingly. Originally slated to be on the Apollo 13 mission, Mattingly was replaced by Jack Swigert due to a feared case of measles, which never materialized. After the disaster in space, Mattingly goes to NASA to help rescue his stranded colleagues, who have taken shelter in the lunar module (LEM) and are trying to return to Earth with minimal navigational equipment and power.
The astronauts needed to reenter the Earth return craft, power it back on, and navigate home. A critical issue they faced was whether the spacecraft would power back on after being switched off for so long. Mattingly was tasked with figuring this out using the simulator on Earth. They had limited power to draw on, roughly the amount of electricity needed to power a Mr. Coffee machine.
The Breakthrough: Order Matters
Scenes show Mattingly and other engineers working tirelessly, trying different sequences to power up the spaceship without exceeding the limited wattage. Each failed attempt seemed like a death sentence for the astronauts. Time was running out, and it appeared they had tried every possible sequence.
The breakthrough came when Mattingly realized that the issue wasn't the steps they were taking, but the order in which they performed them. By powering on the spaceship in a specific sequence, they could stay within the available amperage and bring the astronauts home safely, which is exactly what happened.
The Lesson: Order in Our Lives
This scene highlights a crucial lesson: the order of our actions can be as important as the actions themselves. A disorderly life often reflects a chaotic mind, and a chaotic mind cannot effectively achieve objectives. Just as Mattingly discovered the right order to save his friends, finding the right order in our routines can lead to greater success and efficiency.
Implementing this Movie Life Lesson into Your Life
Consistency is the cornerstone of any successful routine. When we perform tasks consistently, they become second nature, requiring less mental effort and willpower. This allows us to conserve our cognitive resources for more demanding tasks. For instance, setting a specific time for waking up and going to bed regulates our internal clock, ensuring we get adequate rest and start the day refreshed. Similarly, a consistent exercise routine enhances physical health, boosts mood, and increases energy levels.
Structuring Your Day: The Importance of Order
While consistency is crucial, the order in which we structure our routines is equally important. Our bodies and minds operate on natural rhythms, and aligning our tasks with these rhythms can enhance productivity and well-being. Here’s a breakdown of how you might structure your day for optimal performance:
1. **Morning: Prime Time for Creativity and Deep Work**
Mornings are when our minds are freshest. This is the ideal time for deep work—tasks that require intense focus and creativity. Whether it's writing, designing, or problem-solving, tackling these activities in the morning ensures we leverage our peak cognitive state. Avoid checking emails or engaging in busy work during this time, as it can distract and deplete your mental energy.
2. **Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Strategic Meetings and Collaborations**
As the day progresses, our energy and focus might wane slightly, making it an excellent time for strategic meetings and collaborative efforts. Engaging with colleagues or clients during this period can stimulate new ideas and solutions, benefiting from the residual morning creativity while not demanding the solitude deep work requires.
3. **Afternoon: Routine Tasks and Busy Work**
The afternoon slump is real, and it's during this period that our energy levels often dip. Schedule routine tasks, such as responding to emails, administrative work, or other low-cognitive-demand activities, for this time. By aligning these tasks with your natural dip in energy, you ensure that your most productive hours are reserved for more critical work.
4. **Late Afternoon to Early Evening: Exercise and Reflection**
Physical activity is a fantastic way to combat the afternoon slump and re-energize your body and mind. Whether it's a gym session, a yoga class, or a brisk walk, exercising during this time can boost your endorphins and prepare you for the evening. Post-exercise, take some time for reflection or light planning for the next day, allowing you to wind down and transition smoothly into your evening routine.
Customizing Your Routine
It's important to remember that while the above structure works for many, it might not be a perfect fit for everyone. Personal preferences, job demands, and lifestyle choices all play a role in shaping our ideal routine. Experiment with different structures to find what works best for you. The key is to listen to your body and mind, making adjustments as needed to align with your natural rhythms.
Conclusion
The power of routines lies not just in their consistency but in their thoughtful order. By structuring our day in a way that aligns with our natural rhythms, we can maximize our productivity, enhance our well-being, and ultimately achieve greater success in both our personal and professional lives. Embrace the process of fine-tuning your routines, and watch as the right order transforms your daily life into a well-oiled machine of efficiency and satisfaction.
Incorporating these principles into your life may require some trial and error, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Find your rhythm, stick to it, and let the power of well-ordered routines propel you to new heights.