5 Gears: Summary Review
This is a summary review of 5 Gears containing key details about the book.
What is 5 Gears About?
"5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There is Never Enough Time" is a book written by Jeremy Hunter. The book is about how to manage time and energy more effectively. The book introduces the concept of "gears," which represent different levels of engagement and focus. The five gears are:
* Neutral gear: This is the state of mind when one is not fully engaged or focused.
* First gear: This is the state of mind when one is engaged and focused on a task, but not fully immersed in it.
* Second gear: This is the state of mind when one is fully immersed in a task and fully engaged.
* Third gear: This is the state of mind when one is fully engaged and fully immersed in a task, but also aware of the surroundings and able to shift focus as needed.
* Fourth gear: This is the state of mind when one is fully engaged, fully immersed in a task, and also aware of one's inner state.
"5 Gears" teaches you to shift into the right gear at the right time so that you can grow in your relational intelligence and increase your influence. This revolutionary text introduces you to the five different gears, or mindsets, that carry you through various facets of your day.
By understanding the different gears of engagement and focus, we can manage our time and energy more effectively and be more present and productive. The book provides practical strategies and techniques for shifting gears and staying in the right gear to be more effective in work and in life.
What are the key summary points from 5 Gears?
Here are some key takeaways from the book:
* Understanding the concept of "gears" of engagement and focus: The book introduces the idea of "gears" which represent different levels of engagement and focus. By understanding these gears, we can manage our time and energy more effectively.
* Identifying the right gear for the task at hand: The book helps readers identify which gear is appropriate for different tasks and situations, so they can be more present and productive.
* Shifting gears effectively: The book provides practical strategies and techniques for shifting gears and staying in the right gear to be more effective in work and in life.
* Balancing focus and awareness: The book emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged and fully immersed in a task, while also being aware of the surroundings and able to shift focus as needed.
* Mindfulness and self-awareness: The book also highlights the importance of being aware of one's inner state and how it can affect productivity and performance. By understanding the different gears and being mindful of where you are in them can help to improve overall productivity and performance.
5 Gears Summary Notes
1. Matching Your Speed to Your Space: The Importance of Using the Right Gear for Each Situation
Have you ever found yourself mentally disconnected from your surroundings, unable to fully engage with the people or activities around you? This feeling of disconnection often arises from moving at a different speed than the people and environments around us.
In their book, 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There Is Never Enough Time, Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram introduce the concept of five gears to help individuals match their speed to their space. Each gear represents a different level of engagement and is appropriate for different situations.
First gear is for individual recharge, second gear for connecting deeply with friends or family, third gear for casual socializing, fourth gear for working on multiple tasks, and fifth gear for fully focusing on a single project.
While fifth gear can be productive and efficient for completing specific tasks, it can also cause individuals to miss important opportunities and disconnect from others. For example, being in fifth gear can make it difficult to communicate effectively with others, as they may feel ignored or receive incomplete attention.
To avoid these disconnects, it is important to use the appropriate gear for each situation. Just as driving a car at the appropriate speed for the surrounding environment prevents accidents, matching your speed to your space helps to build stronger connections with the people around you and allows you to fully engage with the activities in which you are participating.
By understanding and utilizing the appropriate gear for each situation, individuals can cultivate stronger connections and increase their productivity while avoiding the negative consequences of being out of sync with their surroundings.
2. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Operating in "Fifth Gear"
Fifth gear is a state of mind where individuals reach peak productivity and get things done effortlessly. However, being in fifth gear can also cause individuals to miss out on crucial opportunities or conversations with those around them. This concept is illustrated by Andrew, a client at Ford Motor Company, who uses fifth gear to get important tasks done, but also finds it challenging to communicate effectively with his team members when they approach him in that state.
The key to utilizing fifth gear effectively is by detaching oneself from other interactions and letting people know that you are in that state. For example, Andrew started informing his team members when he was in fifth gear, so they knew not to disturb him and could come back later. Similarly, by scheduling specific times for fifth gear and informing others, one can ensure that their projects are completed without sacrificing focus or neglecting other important tasks or interactions.
It is important to recognize that fifth gear is not always appropriate, and individuals should use it judiciously. While it may be effective in getting things done, it can also cause individuals to miss out on important opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to find a balance between using fifth gear and staying attuned to what is happening around us.
3. Finding Balance in Fourth Gear
The fourth gear is the most commonly used gear in our day-to-day lives, allowing us to jump between multiple tasks and deal with various events. However, as we become more engrossed in fourth gear, we tend to risk burning out, making it necessary to balance our use of this gear with the other gears. The fourth gear is essential for getting things done, but we need to learn how to use it appropriately to avoid negative consequences.
When we are constantly in fourth gear, our to-do lists keep increasing, making it hard to step outside of it. Renowned sports psychologist Dr. Jarrod Spencer compares the mind to a computer that needs to close and file documents at the end of each day. If we are continuously opening new files without closing the old ones, we find it hard to shut down, leading to sleep difficulties or worse.
Joe Hill's experience serves as a testament to the dangers of overworking ourselves in fourth gear. He used to work nonstop and narrowly avoided death from blood clots in his lungs due to burnout. However, this doesn't mean that we should avoid fourth gear altogether. We need to learn how to balance our use of this gear with the others and shift gears appropriately.
Waking up and checking emails is a common example of starting the day in fourth gear. However, just like a sports team that warms up before playing an important game, we also need to warm up by spending some time in the lower gears before shifting into fourth gear. Using the gears appropriately allows us to run even better in fourth gear.
In conclusion, the fourth gear is essential for productivity, but we must learn to use it appropriately to avoid burnout. Balancing our use of fourth gear with other gears and shifting gears appropriately is key to staying productive while avoiding negative consequences. By spending time in the lower gears and avoiding constantly opening new files without closing the old ones, we can keep our minds fresh and avoid the dangers of burnout.
4. The Importance of Third Gear: Building Relationships through Informal Socializing
In today’s world, building and maintaining relationships is crucial for personal and professional success. Third gear, which is all about informal socializing, is a great way to connect with people and build relationships. However, many people find it difficult to entertain other people’s interests, which can hinder their ability to establish meaningful connections.
By being genuinely curious about other people’s interests and giving them your full attention, you can create new opportunities and increase your influence. This is why companies take clients out to lunch or to play golf – to get to know people better and decide whether they want to work with them. In addition, third gear can also be a source of pleasure and relaxation, as you can spend time with friends and enjoy yourself.
But it’s important to remember not to spend all your time in third gear, as you wouldn’t get anything done or have time to develop deeper relationships as you would in second gear. The key is to find a balance between socializing and productivity, so that you can reap the benefits of both.
So, next time you’re in a social setting, try to be more curious about other people’s interests and see where it takes you. You never know – you might end up making a new friend or business partner or discovering a new hobby or interest. By embracing third gear, you can expand your horizons and create new opportunities for yourself.
5. The Importance of Second Gear in Building Real Relationships
In today's fast-paced and digitally-driven world, it's easy to forget the importance of building real relationships with the people around us. We often get caught up in the busyness of our lives and neglect to invest time and effort into forging deep connections with those who matter most to us. However, as the fifth key idea in the book "5 Gears" highlights, second gear is crucial for cementing real relationships and creating personal growth, inspiration, and peace of mind.
Second gear is all about moving beyond surface-level interactions and developing a deeper understanding and connection with the people we care about. It's about being truly present and investing in joint responsibility to create meaningful interactions that go beyond small talk. However, it's easy to mistake being in second gear when we're not fully present or committed to the relationship.
To truly reach second gear, we need to put aside distractions like our phones and be fully present with the people we're interacting with. We also need to recognize that not every interaction is appropriate for second gear and be mindful of not forcing the depth of the relationship if it's not the right time or place. Additionally, it's important to recognize when we need to shift down to first gear and simply enjoy the moment without any pressure to deepen the relationship.
The importance of second gear in building real relationships cannot be overstated. By investing in these connections, we can experience personal growth and satisfaction, and create a support network that can help us through life's challenges. So, take the time to invest in the people who matter most to you, be present, and engage in joint responsibility to create meaningful interactions that go beyond small talk.
6. The Importance of Personal Recharge: The Foundation of the 5 Gears
The 5 Gears model emphasizes the importance of personal recharge as the foundation for optimal performance in all gears. Just as a phone with low battery cannot complete a call, individuals who are not fully recharged cannot fully engage in their daily activities. In order to be at our best, we need to prioritize first gear, the gear of personal recharge.
First gear is not about crashing in front of the TV or mindlessly scrolling through social media. It is about taking intentional time to replenish our spirits, so we can come alive and be fully present in our daily activities. Personal recharge is different for everyone, and it is important to find activities that work for us individually. Whether it's exercise, hobbies, or simply taking time to reflect and be alone, it is crucial to prioritize first gear regularly.
However, it's important to note that first gear is not a substitution for second gear. Going straight into first gear after work without engaging in second gear can result in not being fully present during the second gear phase. The 5 Gears model emphasizes the importance of balancing all gears to achieve optimal performance.
By prioritizing personal recharge, individuals can improve their overall well-being and performance in all gears. Taking time for ourselves in the morning and evening, just as we would use first gear when starting or stopping a car, can help us recharge and run smoothly throughout the day.
7. The Importance of Sincere Apologies for Maintaining Respect and Influence
In life, we all make mistakes, but how we handle those mistakes can make a big difference in how others view us. Apologizing is an essential part of maintaining respect and influence, but it must be done sincerely. Apologizing in reverse gear is the seventh and final gear in the 5 Gears concept, and it involves taking responsibility for one's actions and making amends.
Responsive people who admit their mistakes and make amends are respected and valued by others. In contrast, resistant people who refuse to apologize and pass the blame onto others are often viewed negatively. Sincere apologies demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility and work towards resolving issues, making them much easier to work with and be around.
However, apologizing solely to manipulate others or get out of a disagreement is not healthy behavior and the opposite of being responsive. It is crucial to apologize only when you know you are wrong and to learn from the experience to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.
8. Mastering 5 Gears Requires Practice and Self-Awareness
Mastering the 5 Gears requires practice and self-awareness, always applying the right gear to the situation. The authors explain that in order to be present and productive in each part of our day, we need to intentionally adjust our actions and be aware of which gear is appropriate for the context.
The authors identified five circles of influence - Self, Family, Team, Organization, and Community - and each requires different gears to navigate appropriately. Being aware of which circle we’re in and which gear would be most appropriate is the first step to maintaining the right gear.
However, the most important step is to know ourselves. The authors recommend the CORE Process, which involves calling the issue, owning it, figuring out how to respond to it, and then executing the plan. This process allows us to identify which gears we use the most and make adjustments as needed.
By consciously making the effort to find a balance of all our getars, we can become more present in every part of our day. It may mean putting away our phones when we’re with our family or using a landmark on our commute home to remind us to shift out of fourth gear. Whatever adjustments we need to make, if we practice and stay self-aware, we can utilize our gearbox to its full potential.
Who is the author of 5 Gears?
Jeremie Kubicek is the Executive Chairman of GiANT, a company that certifies coaches and consultants that serve companies and their employees. Jeremie has started over 20 companies in Oklahoma City, Moscow, Atlanta and London.
Steve Cockram is an international speaker, author, and consultant to top-level executives and leaders around the world. He is a subject matter expert on personality and wiring, organizational leadership, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication.
Book Details
- Print length: 240 pages
- Genre: Business, Self Help, Nonfiction
5 Gears Chapters
Chapter 1:Driving Too Fast
Chapter 2:Reality Check
Chapter 3:Getting in Gear
Chapter 4:5th Gear—In the Zone
Chapter 5:4th Gear—Leading in a Task World
Chapter 6:3rd Gear—Why Being Social Matters
Chapter 7:2nd Gear—Connecting Deeply
Chapter 8:1st Gear—Learning to Recharge
Chapter 9:Reverse—Being Responsive in a Resistant World
Chapter 10:Ranking Your Gear Order
Chapter 11:Master Your Settings—Right Time, Right Place
Chapter 12:Shifting Well—Learning How to Transition
Chapter 13:Intentional versus Accidental
Chapter 14:Making the U-Turn—Challenge and Plan
Chapter 15:What Is Your Story?
What is a good quote from 5 Gears?
Top Quote: “People are attracted to confident people, and there is a direct correlation between confidence and respectful curiosity.” (Meaning) - 5 Gears Quotes, Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “I think the idea of the ‘5 Gears’ is spot on and introducing the theory to the people you live and work with will help you to gain a better understanding of each other.” — Quality World, March 2016
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal growth, you may want to explore my list of favorite self-improvement books. These books, which have had a significant impact on my life, are carefully curated and come with summaries and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
