Back in college, I worked as a prep cook in a restaurant under a chef trained in classic French cuisine. One principle he drilled into us was “mise en place” — a French phrase that translates to “everything in its place.”
In the kitchen, “mise en place” (pronounced meez ahn plas), or just “the Meez,” is a system chefs use to get fully organized before service. It means reviewing recipes, preparing ingredients, and making sure all tools and supplies are ready to go. While it might seem like a simple organizational tactic, it’s also a powerful mindset. As Anthony Bourdain once said in Kitchen Confidential, “The universe is in order when your station is set.”
Although it’s been years since I last stood behind a prep counter, the philosophy of mise en place continues to influence how I approach my daily life and professional work — and it’s a mindset that can benefit anyone.
The Meez Mindset in Action
I’ve noticed that I’m more likely to exercise if I set out my clothes the night before. Similarly, my workdays go more smoothly when I take a few minutes at the end of the previous day to organize a task list. The Meez Mindset is all about being intentional: prioritizing what’s essential and filtering out distractions.
Too often, our days start in a reactive state. For example, many lawyers begin their mornings by diving into emails, voicemails, and browser tabs. But this scattered approach quickly drains focus and productivity. Emails rarely contain your priorities — they contain someone else’s.
Instead, consider reclaiming your first hour of the day. As Charlie Munger advises, treat yourself like your most important client. Reserve that golden hour for focused, priority-driven planning and deep work.
Five Ways to Create Your Daily Plan
Everyone’s workflow is different, but here are five proven practices to help build structure into your day:
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Start with a 10-minute planning session.
Use this time to get a clear overview of what needs to be accomplished — and be sure to focus on what truly matters, not just what feels urgent. -
Limit yourself to 1–3 main priorities.
For many professionals, setting just one core priority is best, since unexpected demands are almost guaranteed to arise. Writing your goals down increases your likelihood of following through. -
Block time on your calendar.
Prioritize tasks by assigning them specific time slots. Understand when during the day you’re most productive, and schedule accordingly. -
Do your deep work early.
Cognitive tasks like writing, analyzing, or problem-solving are best tackled when your mind is fresh. Save routine or administrative tasks for later in the day. -
Make room for self-care.
Whether it’s a walk, a moment of silence, or a quick reset, brief breaks are crucial for sustained energy. Just like athletes need recovery, so do legal professionals.
Plan with Purpose
In the fast pace of law firm life, it’s easy to fall into constant reaction mode. But building structure into your day — your own version of mise en place — can help you stay proactive, intentional, and focused.
So take a cue from world-class chefs: get organized before the chaos begins. Adopt some of these planning habits and make “everything in its place” a guiding principle in your workday. It’s a small mindset shift that can have a big impact on your productivity and well-being.
