Mise en place can be an excellent metaphor about the value of preparing before you start.

There are 5 steps to mise en place:

  1. Know your recipe — necessary ingredients, cookware, and baking times
  2. Prepare your ingredients — clean, chop, mince… whatever is required
  3. Arrange your ingredients — appropriate size bowls, positioned logically
  4. Prepare your workstation — set the oven temperature, clean the utensils
  5. Arrange your tools — similar logic applied to cookware and necessary equipment