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The Multi-tasking Myth: Guide to More Mindful Focus

Maribeth
Nov 8, 2016
3 min read

Multitasking usually appears in job ads. People think it is a skill, a special capability to do a number of tasks at one. A mom can cook dinner while spinning the washing machine and answering text messages in between.

An entrepreneur can play a audio book tutorial on marketing, while updating his documents on the computer, while answering emails here and there.

It gets everything done -less the time.

It seems that getting busy should be a lifestyle.

But if you are to reflect on your day, you would notice that juggling in between tasks is not productive at all! Instead, you tend to sacrifice efficiency with more mistakes. If you are trying to study or listen to a material, chances are your brain did not catch everything you need to know. Thus you will find it necessary to repeat tasks again.

With fatigue and overwhelm, you may lose control of your workflow -and your tasks will soon eat you alive. Notice how this affects your self image and relationships.

Psychologists will agree that that the brain can only focus on one task at a time. Other tasks, are distractions. Trying to do so many things causes the brain to lose the capacity to think deeper -the attention to details and quality. You will also notice that your life is like an endless mouse wheel chase as your brain continuously grind and think.

I wonder if you have sleeping problems as well? Notice how your body reacts to stress. Does it hurt on the shoulders? On the stomach? Do you suddenly feel sleepy or lazy? How long does this downtime last? Pay attention on how you react with stress. How it makes you feel sick.

Hence, would you prefer to focus on getting one tasks done, rather than getting everything done?

Dr. Jeremy Hunter, a professor at Claremont Graduate Institute, teaches us to appreciate the importance of mindful living:

"I see life as an ongoing series of moments. How present we are for these moments determines our quality of life and the quality of our results. When we are scattered, inattentive and unfocused, daily life becomes stressed and frenetic. In the midst of a multitasking frenzy we easily fall prey to reactive emotions and misguided actions that lead to unwanted and wasteful personal and professional results. When we live with greater attention and presence we act more deliberately, prudently, and effectively. Life starts to work as it should. In short, we find peace amidst the chaos."

LIFE HAS MOMENTS TO APPRECIATE...

It is not how much you have done, but how well you did it.

Here are some beliefs you can relate that might help you "loosen up"

If you let go of some tasks, if it is really a need, other people will soon emerge and do it.
Your problems are not your own, it has already had been solved in the past.
Unless it is a true life and death situation, it can always be put off some time.
Even if you finish routine task today. Tomorrow will be the same task all over again. So there are task that you need to finish thoroughly, while some can be piled up the next day. Up to you to choose which ones to prioritize.
Giving yourself a day off or vacation is actually a necessity. Your brain needs rest.

Here are some tips on having a Mindful Focus:

Remember the time you are so passionate and focused with a hobby, art or sport? Become aware on how you feel and behave when you set time for important tasks.
At the end of the day, list down in writing your tasks for tomorrow. Set priorities on which needs to attend first and done ASAP. Put off the tasks that can be assigned on other days. Many people think this is time consuming. It actually will only take 5 minutes of your time.
Sleep early and wake up early. This will actually make more things done.
Pause and take mini-breaks or breaths as you switch in between tasks. Take a water break. This will allow your brain to transition from one concept to another.
There are tasks that you don't actually have to do. Some are just extra baggage in your life or done without purpose. Review the things that you do and examine which really matters. You have the choice to delegate those to somebody else, put if off indefinitely or let it go altogether.
Take the time to eat, toilet and rest. Avoid holding your gadgets while eating, lying in bed or even in the toilet! Focus on these mini-breaks as a mental rest.

There you go! Hope it helps.