Multi-tasking is one of those things that sounds great, but when it comes down to performing, it is not so easy. (Think of that juggler with the plates and the balls that used to appear on the Ed Sullivan show in between the dog act and the ventriloquist). It’s a great theory, the idea of doing several things at once, but does it really work?
In doing several things simultaneously, it may appear that efficiency is greatly increased. This could be so, but rarely is, as in effect what happens is that more than one thing becomes half-done instead of one chore being completely done. Understanding how much time is needed is often elusive while multi-tasking because so much is diverted everywhere that there is no way to tell. A glass of water may be half full or half-empty, but a half made bed is always half unmade!
Many of us multi-task effectively every day. If you have ever been on the phone, stirred some soup and wiped off the counter at the same time, for example, you have multi tasked (without incident, I might add). The idea of doing two or more unrelated things at once can be very seductive in this world where time is at such a premium. The problem is that when juggling two things, one usually suffers. (With a juggler it can hurt, because objects such as plates may crack if they land on your head). Unless you are a professional juggler, try to avoid multi-tasking, but if you must, consider these tips:
1. Set a time limit.
This involves deadlines, which may or may not be your cup of tea. For example, if you receive a call while in the middle of another project, let the caller know that your time is limited.
2. Keep tabs on where you were.
If you are working on something and are interrupted, write down whatever your next step would have been and where you left off.
3. Use stop-loss measures.
If on the computer, make sure you save whatever you have done before running off to attend to whatever has interrupted your progress.
In short, think before you multi-task and look before you leap, remembering that he who hesitates is lost.
The time you save may be your own.
Any thoughts?