I started realizing something about myself over the past few weeks: I'm not a good multitasker. I've always thought that I was: I do the dishes while watching tutorials, I check my email while I eat breakfast...but I'm not. The truth is, no one is! I remember learning that in college, but I guess we all want to be able to say that we can do two things at once, so we continue to try. The problem is, the more that I try to multitask, I end up getting less and less actually accomplished. At the end of the day I feel like I did so much (I'm exhausted), but when I look back on what I actually did, I don't have much to show for it.
I think technology definitely comes into play when it comes to trying to multitask. I find myself constantly checking my email/social media/stats/etsy app/etc. for fear of missing something, and because frankly it's easy to become addicted to it! So for the past week, I've been really trying to be more present. It's not an easy thing to do in today's world, but I've been shutting my computer off in the evenings and most of the weekends. When I'm spending time with Wes, even if we're just watching TV, I try to keep the phone down (try), and I try to just do one thing at a time when I'm working during the day.
You know the funniest part? Typically the reason I was always multitasking was because I felt like I had so many things to do and that I was going to get behind or miss out on something, but what I'm finding is that I actually get more done! My thoughts are more organized and I'm actually able to cross things off of my to-do list quicker because I'm focused.
Do any of you struggle with this?
PS. I found this related article really interesting.
It is often difficult to multi-task! But like you said, you need to get into a routine, like checking email/social networks at certain times rather than checking in all day. LOVE the print btw :-)
ReplyDeleteLast weekend, I accidentally left my one and only phone charger at work and didn't realize it until my phone died on Saturday morning. The first few hours felt like someone had chopped my hand off, but then I let go and it was one of the most relaxing weekends I've had in a long time. I might be "accidentally" leaving my charger at work more often...
ReplyDeleteI saw this fun video on productivity not long ago and they also say that multitasking doesn't work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHfjvYzr-3g&feature=share&list=UUC552Sd-3nyi_tk2BudLUzA
ReplyDeletexx
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