26Jan

I Resolve To Give Up “Multi-Tasking”

I remember when the term “multi-tasking” emerged. America began celebrating the human ability to do more than one thing at a time. Talking on the phone while doing the dishes became “multi-tasking.” And then, it seems, the race was on to see who could do the MOST things at one time.

It seems that talking on the phone while doing dishes is fairly safe. However, talking on the phone while driving? Well — in many places, that’s against the law.

I am a “task-oriented” person. That means, when I’m into a task, I’m really into it. At that moment, there ARE no other tasks. But, the world now expects us ALL to multi-task, scoffing, “Can’t you do more than one thing at a time?”

The answer is this — for me and for all of you as well:

NOT IF YOU WANT ME TO GIVE IT MY UNDIVIDED ATTENTION.

NOT IF YOU WANT ME TO GIVE 100%.

Sure, there are things in life that don’t need 100% attention. Dishes, for example. It’s not like a dirty dish is going to jump out in front of you and bring that frantic scrubbing to a screeching halt.

Obviously, driving needs a high percentage of your attention. Sometimes, it’s easy to know what needs your focus, and sometimes it doesn’t.

You can’t “Be Here Now” if you’re multi-tasking. Then, you’re here and there, and there, and there — all at the same time. How can you truly enjoy life and your activities and do them well if you never stop juggling long enough to give 100%?

Sure, life can be simpler if you manage your tasks and do a little multi-tasking. But be careful. If you never give or receive 100%, constant multi-tasking could diminish the true quality of your life.

It’s okay to do only one thing at one time. That just means you’re giving it your all.