The Brilliance of Buffers

You won’t have heard of fellow Geordie John Baillie, but if it wasn't for him, trains would have been smashing into each other with alarming force for the last 170 years.

In the mid-19th century, John Baillie invented… the Baillie Schneckenfeder (that’s German not Geordie), a spring coil which we now call a train buffer! His invention absorbed the impact between train cars, preventing damage and ensuring smoother, safer journeys.

Ahh buffers. Or as I now call them, Schneckenfeder’s.

But buffers aren’t just for trains. Buffers are brilliant.

Time Buffers prevent overwhelm by giving space. A chance to breathe, catch up or do nothing.

In my How to Save an Hour Every Day Workshops, I always encourage a bit of buffer time. Not you? Well, if you ever feel delighted when a meeting or event is cancelled, it’s a clear sign you have too much on.

You need Emotional Buffers too. Without them, you can create unnecessary stress and overwhelm. Emotional buffers give you the space to process thoughts and emotions, helping you maintain a positive mindset and avoid burnout.

Creating Resource Buffers is just as important. Don’t exhaust your supplies or your energy. Keep a reserve to ensure you’re always ready for what comes next. Think about your food, work tools, office supplies, or your personal energy levels. Having a resource buffer means you're not caught off guard when something runs out or when you need an extra push to get through a tough task.

And one more, Clutter Buffers. Physically, having space buffers in your environment helps you stay organised and focused. When your physical space is chaotic, it can lead to mental clutter too. Clear the clutter, create some breathing room, and notice how much more efficient you can be.

How do you create buffers in your life?

Please share your ideas and we’ll send a copy of my book, How to Save an Hour Every Day, to our favourite. Please leave your comments below.

Remember, buffers aren’t about doing less; they’re about reducing impact. Buffers help you to do more but with ease and efficiency.

Be Brilliant!

Michael