I can’t multitask! I’ll be the first to admit it. I have resigned myself to the fact my brain can only focus on one activity at a time. There should be a thought bubble over my head that reads “occupied” or “unoccupied” so people know when it is safe to begin speaking to me about a new topic.
People walk up to me at work and just stand in front of my desk while I’m typing. When I look up they say, “I’ll wait until you finish what you are doing.” History has taught them it is the only way to have my complete attention.
One of my most embarrassing moments, and mind you there are many, came while I was trying to multitask at work. I was reading an email when the phone rang. I was focusing so much on reading the email that I answered the phone, “O’Connor Mortuary, this is Lori, how may I love you?” Yep, that happened!
Fortunately I knew the person on the other end and we both got a good laugh out of it. You better believe I turned every shade of red imaginable when those words first came out! I vowed then I would focus on one task at a time.
I was discussing my limited ability with one of my coworkers who told me that multitasking is actually a myth. I thought he was being polite but he insisted that he had attended a seminar where he learned that the mind only truly concentrates on one thing at a time. When you divide your attention it produces mediocre results.
Multitasking is defined as engaging in multiple tasks at the same time, but what I learned is it is only possible under two conditions:
What image does multitasking conjure up for you? I see a busy executive talking on the phone, typing an email and nodding to her assistant while tossing back coffee. Boy, if only I could work like that. I would get things done so much faster.
Here’s the catch. While it may appear they are doing it all, looks can be deceiving.
It turns out multitasking is actually counterproductive and in some cases unhealthy for the following reasons.
Reduces Productivity- You in fact are more productive when you begin one project and see it all of the way through whenever possible. Interruptions ruin your train of thought. All of the stops and starts end up wasting time and make you less efficient.
Leads to More Mistakes- Multitasking is a good way to get work completed quickly, but not always accurately. Studies show that individuals who multitask make up to 50% more mistakes and suffer a 10-point fall in their IQ.
Creates Health Problems- The most obvious concern is stress, which can lead to high blood pressure and ultimately more serious problems. Stress also leads to poor eating habits, which can lead to weight gain and other health concerns. Multitasking can also affect your brain and lead to short-term memory loss.
So next time you have a mountain of work piled in front of you, heed the advice found in Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the Hare,” – “Slow and steady wins the race.”
Share an example of your multitasking experiences.
Do you also have embarrassing moments to share?
Have you suffered health issues from trying to “do it all”?
41 Comments
Lori…..The more I thought about your “mistake” the more I liked it…..I began to think of what would happen at the McDonald’s drive thru if the person taking your order would say “how can I love you” ….for one thing they might get my order correct or when they do mess it up, I won’t be so quick to complain because they are trying to “love” me…. Not all mistakes are bad….there are a lot of worse things you could have said when you answered the phone…personally I would probably select a mortuary that answered the phone that way….we all have a need to be loved….
Mark
Shasta,
You are great at everything you do! You are such an assett to O’Connor and the Care Center.
Your smile makes my day!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Lori
Lori,
I try real hard to multi-task! Usually it just ends up in jumping from one thing to another and being somewhat disorganized. Eventually things get finished, but I’ve learned it’s easiest and most effective to just focus on one task at a time until it’s completed and then starting the next task.
Hi Lori –
All so true!
I am so glad to know you love who ever is on the other side of the phone when it rings. What a great marketing message!
Research shows that multitasking is not a great way to spend your day, it can lead to mistakes and accidents. If you ever feel scatter brained or forgetful it maybe due to trying to multitasking. I have tried to stay focused on one task at a time, when I try to do two or more task at a time, I usually make a mistake or miss being in the moment.
Thanks for the great blog and reminder!
Neil
Neil,
Thank you for mentioning my most embarrassing moment again. Lol!
I still turn red when I think about it.
I thought it was our age that kept us from successfully multitasking. I am happy you have also researched the topic and come up with similar information.
“Whever you are, be all there!”
Thank you,
Lori
interesting
right?