When I was looking for a job after graduating from college being able to “multitask” was on the top of everyone’s job requirements. I boasted how I can easily switch from project to project and how I was able to handle more than one project at a time. In fact, I remember thinking that, multitasking was the best way for me to function. I worked better in ciaos and under stress. Just typing it here makes me wonder, what the heck was I thinking?
Several jobs and two babies later I realize the multitasking isn’t always the best way to handle a hectic schedule. I learned that switching from one project to another not only hinders your ability to complete a task on time successfully.
Just last week I was listening to a call and the host mentioned that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get fully vested into a project. I won’t mention how often I stop whatever I am doing to check my email with in a 20 minute time span.
In order to be more productive we need to stop trying to do everything at the same time.
Here are some great tips you can implement now!
Do one thing at a time.
Commit to one project until its completed then move on to the next.
Give Yourself a Break.
Take time for yourself and relax.
Close your Email.
Set some time aside each day for you to go through you inbox. I try to only look at mine 3 times per day.
Put Social Networking Aside.
Facebook, Twitter, Ning and the many other social networking sites can keep you busy all day. Schedule an hour a day for social networking.
If you have any tips or suggestions on how to become more efficient please leave a comment and let us know.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post and great tips. Yes. I think that multitasking IS a bad word, lol. My inner monologue for the last few months has been “nimechoka”, which means “I am tired”. Darned tired of multitasking, for the very reasons that you stated in your post. It keeps my stress level on red alert, which just isn’t healthy.
What I have been trying to implement into my daily hustle and bustle is using my planner effectively. I am learning NOT to plan ahead! I tend to book up my planner with all of these tasks that I am going to complete, only to find that I have bit off more than I can chew, and then I am stuck with an endless to-do list. If I focus on one day at a time, I find that I get to complete many more tasks that I would have if I put everything I could think of on the list.
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Stephanie,
This was wonderfully written.
I am a MAJOR multi-tasker and in my case, I think I do it because I believe my lack-of a worthy attention span, will hinder me from returning to it later. Thing about it is that it drives me crazy! It’s all nerves and I’m glad you brought attention to it because I am a serious offender.
I was already aware of the pointers you listed, but now I will work on putting them into practice. I have already committed to minimizing the time I spend on Facebook and weeks ago forfeited my Twitter account. You are so right in that they take up a WHOLE LOT OF TIME. I know people who don’t even log off…it’s all very addicting.
Thanks for the post.
Traci
Traci´s last blog .."Goodbye…For a While…For Now"
This is one of the most powerful articles I’ve read in terms of how we’ve been taught to do it all, not considering or acknowledging our own needs, skills and specialty.
I can’t tell you how many tabs are open in my browser (and I’ve got 2 separate browsers open right now…lol) or the fact that even though I’ve linked all my social medial networks to view at the same time, I can’t help feeling spread too thin.
I intend to do everything that you mentioned this week. I feel like a 24/7 Customer Service Department sometimes… lol
Rhea – ProMomBlogger.com´s last blog ..How to Develop A Niche Blog for Your WAHM Business
Stephanie this is a wonderful article. I too remember looking for a job and the requirements is being able to multitask. I finally have a job where I don’t have to multitask (too much) and I’m less stressed. Now only if I can stop multitasking at home (is that asking for too much).
I will definitely keep in mind that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to engage in a project.
Thanks for the tips.
I love these tips, but I don’t think I will really follow them. I think I have accepted that life is not the same anymore, and part of that difference is how we handle how we communicate and work.
I try to be in the moment for each little thing I do. I also try to walk away from things several times a day. Whatever gets done gets done, whatever doesn’t doesn’t. Thanks for making me think about multitasking and how to be present in all aspects of my life.
Love’s Gumbo´s last blog ..This Mask is a Troublemaker
Great tips for sure. I am very guilty of “multitasking” aka “stopping what I am doing and remembering that I have 5 other things to do”. I have been telling myself for about 3 weeks that I need to set a schedule to best use my time.
A problem that I have is saying no. I will take on many things at once, then get peeved when folks act like theirs is the only project that I am working on. What i realize is that I need to be clear from the start and set a clear time line on when I think that I will be able to create their project. I need to set this up for clients, and for my own goals as well.
Keep up the good work!
Kris Cain´s last blog ..Easy ways to make kids happy…
Great tips! Social media and email are huge colprits for me to.
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