Ponderings (September 2007) - “MULTITASKING”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Multitasking is “the performance of multiple tasks at one time”

Sharing my thoughts …

We live in an age where multitasking is the norm.  Some people are energized by multitasking while others are drained.  It appears to be a way to get more done in less time.  But, does it really save us time?  Does it increase our productivity?  Does it reduce our stress?  Try this experiment --- Pick one day next week to consciously handle just one task at a time.  In other words, do NOT multitask!  Observe yourself throughout the day.  At the end of the day reflect on your experience.  Was it a challenge or a nice change of pace?  Did you accomplish more or less than normal?  Was it more or less stressful for you?  Your answers to these questions can help you effectively deal with multitasking in a way that honors your unique way of operating.

Questions to ponder …

1. How does multitasking help you?
2. How does multitasking hinder you?
3. What is your opinion of multitasking?
4. Does multitasking drain or energize you?
5. How do you rate your ability to multitask?
6. How much of your day do you spend multitasking?
7. What happens to your productivity when you multitask?
8. How can you simplify your schedule to minimize multitasking?
9. What effect does your multitasking have on those around you?
10. What causes you to multitask rather than focus on one thing at a time?

Related quotes …

Most of the time multitasking is an illusion. You think you are multitasking, but in reality you're actually wasting time switching from one task to another.  [Bosco Tian]

We decide to multitask instead of experience.  [Michael Rosen]

When you multitask, you have so many things going on that you are not focused on any one of them. This sets you up for memory problems.  [Beverly Smallwood]

Multitasking?  I can't even do two things at once.  I can't even do one thing at once.  [Helena Bonham Carter]

If you manage your multitasking, you’ll be much more effective than if you simply hop from project to project without driving them to completion.  [Mitch Thrower]