“Multi-task every chance you get, except when you shouldn’t”

January 22, 2011

Today’s Bit of Advice….

“Multi-task every chance you get, except when you shouldn’t”

Another bit of advice filled with conflicting messages.  Sorry about that.  A blog full of advice should just give you quick, practical messages that you can apply today.  Well, let’s see how quick and practical I can make this.

Multi-task every chance you get.  Our days only have 24 hours in them and we are told we should sleep at least seven of them away.  The other 17 hours are important.  I like to get as much done in those hours as possible and to do that I need to multi-task.

Like tonight (I always write my blogs before I go to bed)…. I needed to organize the awards for my son’s Cub Scout Pack, pay bills, balance the checkbook, and catch up on some TV.  So I found a way to put it all together.  The wireless allowed me to take the computer to the dining room table where I took care of all the finances and Cub scout stuff on my Excel files on the right side of the screen.  I’ve had www.hulu.com playing on the left side of the screen.  Doing the two things at once was really smooth.  So, I figured, throw in a third task.  I’ve had a stack of blank CD’s that needed burning staring at me so I turned on my itunes and started burning.  Excel, hulu, and itunes -   Multi-tasking going well! 

When I can take my focus and use it effectively on multiple items, I can really get stuff done.  With that said, there are times when I realize that multi-tasking isn’t a good idea.  When I’m making a new recipe, I have to focus on my quantities and measurements.   When I am reading with my children, I need to focus on the story and the child.  When I play piano, I need to stay in the music so I play the right notes and rhythms.

There are safety reasons for staying focused on only one task at a time too.  For example, trying to read or send a text while driving is never a good idea.  Nor is shaving, putting mascara on, or playing trombone while driving (no, I haven’t tried that one).  Keeping the car safely on the road is the goal and the rest can wait until you get to your destination. 

This quick, practical message is easy to apply to your life.  If you can only do one thing at a time with success, stick to one thing.  If you can do two things at once with success, go for it.  If you can do five things at once with success, you can probably beat me in a multi-tasking contest.  But safety and quality always come first.

Now, I have to get back to my show.  I’m watching “The Bachelor” on hulu while I write this blog and he’s about to hand out the roses.  I’d hate to miss a minute of it!

Hope you enjoyed the read!