Posted by Sundi Hayes in 
There is plenty in the media recently about multitasking and our inability to do it effectively. I’ve always considered myself a great multitasker and prided myself on being able to remember many things while working on multiple projects on and off throughout the day. Now I’m a mom tracking 4 calendars besides my own, or maybe because I tend to store trivial information about people I meet.
The information isn’t trivial to the person it is in regards to…but it would seem trivial to everyone else. For example early last week through an inquiry posted on Twitter I discovered someone I follow was going to be in a wedding soon and she was asking some fashion advice. Friday I still remembered that conversation and wished her will in her isle performance. She was absolutely flattered I remembered. To me it was just run of the mill politeness plus a random memory.
Anyway, I find myself remembering less lately. Specifically less of the important stuff.
So, I’ve started making more lists. (You’re thinking, “Did she just say more?”) Scary, I know. I’ve also started a scratch list at the bottom of my major to do list. In a sense I use this as my parking lot so I don’t have to pressure myself to remember it later.
If it doesn’t get on the list, it doesn’t get done.
Besides my rabid listing I’ve started doing something else. I don’t multitask anymore.
If I’m on twitter I’m reading, browsing or tweeting.
If I’m writing a blog post I hammer the keyboard until the post is finished.
If I’m browsing through my reader I stick with it until my research itch is sated or I’m simply tired of reading.
Before I would be doing all three at the same time and maybe even have email up plus a client project I was working on open too.
Want to try it?
- Pick a thing. Any ONE thing. If this is new to you pick an easy one for the early win!
- Decide if you are going to work until completion (short tasks) or for a set amount of time (major projects).
- Keep your parking lot handy and get to work.
- Write down thoughts that distract you from the main task at hand.
- Celebrate when you’re time is up or your task is finished. Celebrate doesn’t mean go shopping! It means take a mental break by eating a piece of chocolate.
Try it and let me know how it goes!
Nibbling away -
Sundi
Photo Credits: Mike Oliveri