Can Multi-Tasking Add Value?
Photo by Fivos Avgerinos on Unsplash
Do you ever feel like it’s all too much? Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Can Multi-Tasking Add Value?
Do you ever find it strange how a single action can be simultaneously described as a super-power and a very inefficient use of your time?
I often feel like this about the term multi-tasking.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines multi-tasking as "the performance of multiple tasks at one time".
When looking closely at the definition, I think some of the confusion comes more into focus.
The brain cannot perform multiple tasks, that involve thought, at the same time.
If you look a little closer at the individuals who actually appear to be great at multitasking, what you will find is that they are skilled at switching between tasks. Some of this may be natural and some of it may be systems they setup so that they can switch between tasks effectively.
An example of this would be someone working at the Front Desk of a hotel. They may have a list of items that they need to take care of, while also caring for the hotel guests that need service. While it may appear that they are multi-tasking, by checking a guest in, taking care of an item on their list, and then helping another guest with a housekeeping request, what is actually happening is that they are slowly working through their list, pausing when a guest needs assistance, and then going back to their list when they have finished caring for the guest.
Getting Started
Depending on the career you chose, it may be important to be able to switch between tasks quickly. In fact, you may love the fast pace environment this type of work provides. However, I would note, that while this can be a valuable and necessary skill, there is always time lost in switching between tasks.
The good news is, I think there is value to be gained from multi-tasking. The pitfalls of multi-tasking revolve around actions that involve thought. However, there are many thoughtless actions we take everyday. Multi-tasking is one way to spice it up.
What boring and thoughtless activities are on your to do list?
A few ideas:
Dishes
Laundry
Cooking
Opening the Mail
Errands
Commuting
Phone Calls
Required Work Trainings
What passive activities bring you joy?
A few ideas:
Listening to music, an audiobook, or podcast
Watching your favorite TV shows
Taking a walk
Is there a passive activity you could combine with your boring tasks to make it more fun?
Below are a few ideas:
If you have required reading that you have been putting off, try listening to the book while taking a walk in nature. This is also great when listening to recorded webinars!
Do you hate doing the dishes? Listen to a fun audiobook at the same time.
Have you stopped using your Peloton? Watch your favorite TV series only while on your bike.
Not a fan of folding laundry? Make a playlist of songs you love and only listen to it when folding clothes.
There are so many combinations. Think about what can add joy to your life and help you accomplish the mundane tasks.
Happy Spaces’ Tips & Tricks
Keep in Mind:
For multi-tasking to work effectively, both activities need to not involve much thinking. For example, cooking may require no concentration for many of you, but this is not true for me. Listening to an audiobook, while making dinner, doesn't work for me. I am too focused on not messing up the meal, that I miss the story.
Just because an activity is boring, does not mean it's thoughtless. Email is a great example of this.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
We understand how challenging and scary it can be to start something new. If you feel excited about implementing this strategy, but worry that it’s just too much to start on your own, the It’s All in the Planning Started Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.