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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 Multi-tasking, Is It History?
Multi-tasking, can't live with it; can't live without it! Once the best thing since sliced bread and the best way to have a highly productive work environment; we're now looking at multi-tasking in a new way and discovering that it's not all it's cracked up to be.
We all find ourselves multi-tasking from time to time. Heck, we were doing it on some level long before it became a household word! I remember one morning a few months ago I had gotten up early to work on an unfinished project from the previous day. Realizing at some point that I was behind schedule and going to be late for an appointment, I quickly went into action mode. It was simple, really. I'm organized. I can manage my time. I knew instinctively what had to be done; set my hair while eating my bowl of cereal while printing out the information from the computer that I needed for my meeting. Done! Sound familiar?
I have to admit, it felt great to get all of that accomplished in a short period of time. The result, however, was that it shifted my body into survival mode�land of the adrenaline and cortisol rush; two powerful chemicals that keep us alert and on guard so we can protect ourselves from danger. I didn't need to defend myself. I was perfectly safe, but my body didn't know that.
The point is that the bi-product of multi-tasking is stress not calm. If we're stressed, it interferes with our ability to concentrate. If we aren't focused the likelihood that we'll make mistakes is higher. Then we have to use valuable time to correct the mistake. Now we're behind and have to make up the time for other tasks! If we're in continuous multi-tasking mode all this stress adds up over the course of a day and drains our energy. Multi-tasking is unproductive!
Planning ahead and preparing the night before for the next day are two important steps we can take to gain time and energy. It's about self-management, not time management. We're more likely to feel happy and joyful when we give ourselves the gift of focused attention. There will be times when we'll be called to multi-task, of course, it just doesn't need to be business as usual anymore.
My coach's challenge to you this week is to stop multi-tasking and notice what happens. Are you more productive when you slow down and focus on one task at a time? Do you feel calmer and not at the mercy of time? Is there more quality to your work? Do you have more time and energy at the end of the day?
Do you have a multi-tasking story? I'd love to hear it.
Happy Organizing!
Warmest Regards,
Maggie
posted on: 7/10/2008 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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