Multi-tasking vs the power of focused attention

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Today's daily dose: multi-tasking vs the power of focused attention
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The problem with multi-tasking is you can get many things done, but you can also lose yourself - and end up with many half finished projects. Why not take a quick spin around the house to test that theory if you don't believe me.

I do like multi-tasking certain things. I can do a load of laundry, put some dinner in the oven, clean the kitchen, take out the garbage and do the ironing all within the same time frame. Of course I could also sit and read several chapters of a book whilst the laundry is whirring and the dinner is cooking or I can write several chapters whilst the above is happening.

My problem is not that I can't multi-task - it's that sometimes I shouldn't. And in some cases, I know that if I really want to get something done and done quickly I need to focus my attention on the task.

For example - sales calls. You can't make sales calls and write a letter to someone else. You need to be able to listen to your prospect so that you can respond appropriately. Nor can you make sales calls and read your email, file your nails or .... I'm sure you get the point. Some things do need your undivided attention.

Take small children as a very good example. If you don't focus your attention on them, they will be off doing things they shouldn't be doing, and quite often to the detriment of themselves, the house, the household appliances and any pets you have.

And sometimes it is that kind of focused attention we lack when it comes to our projects. We get distracted by the other things that need doing. We say we are going to exercise today. We decide we will get up early and go for a walk. But we forget to reset the alarm clock, so we promise ourselves we will walk at lunch time, but then remember we have to do some shopping. We end our day, have a shower, put on our night attire and then we suddenly "remember" we were going to do some exercise today. We reason we'll have an early night and do it tomorrow.

If you haven't spent some time working on whatever project or goal you have set yourself - today, then something tells me you won't find time to do anything tomorrow either.

So - by all means multi-task what you can multi-task. But some things need focused attention to get them moving, and moving quickly. But that depends on you and how badly you want something doesn't it. Oh and remember those half-finished projects we mentioned earlier? Well why not choose one of them and spend some time and finish one or two of them off.

Now if you will excuse me, I've got things to do.

Speak soon

Elle

Comments

[Kat]

This Ezine has to be the best one out there that really is a beneficial addition to learning something new every day. Even though I am known as the "multi-task Queen", I often wonder how often I shoot myself in the foot by doing so, or creating situations that I could have avoided by putting undue stress on myself by commencing too many things at once. For instance at this very moment, I am working on a paper for my MBA/Corporate Finance class, doing laundry, cooking a pot roast, and of course sending this response. My focus is disjointed and I know I have a level of ADD that has never been diagnosed but I am 50 so at this point I have obviously generated ways on my own to adapt. However, your daily dose of help also allows me to recognize issues that I know I have but also be creative in taking a step back and making adjustments to do things smarter and not harder. Thank you, I am enjoying reading your articles and I look forward to them.

[Elle]

Hi Kat
Thank you so much for the kind words. Knowing I am helping to make such a positive impact on people's lives really does make my day, so thank you.

Sometimes I do wonder if I sound like a real bossy boots "you must do this, and this and this in the order" kind of person. But I hope not (at least not all of the time :-o ) But I also hope that knowing I am going through the same kinds of issues as yourself, may make it seem less hard to do what we all know we should, and less of those things we know we shouldn't.

Have a great day
Elle