People have different opinions on multi-tasking vs. one focus approach… so which is better?

“The Myth of Multitasking” by  Christine Rosen details several reasons why multi-tasking is not the optimum approach:

• a fall in IQ (more so than if the subject were smoking marijuana
• decrease in learning
• negative impact on productivity (affecting the economy?)
• lost ‘brain time’ as the brain works to juggle several tasks
• and many more.

I’ve seen first-hand how multi-tasking affects our decision making — while sitting at a light waiting to make a left, I watched a woman coming through the intersection from the other side, talking on a cell phone, and drive right into a telephone pole.  She never braked until she actually impacted the pole; and she continue to chat as she got out of the SUV to inspect her damage!  Unluckily for her, a patrol car was at the red light on the cross street; he simply flicked on his lights and pulled over to write her up.

When trying to get a project complete, divide the project into smaller tasks.  This tip:  do those smaller tasks in their entirety prior to moving on to the next step.

Good ways to accomplish this:

• ignore the phone and email while working on a project
• set aside time on your calendar to do research, gather materials, and write rough drafts
• work from start to finish without pause, if possible
• if you must break, take a break at a logical stopping point, and leave your materials in place for easy restart

WARNING: These simple ideas may cause you to become more focused, productive, and happy.  PROCEED WITH CAUTION!  <grin!>

Terence Kierans CAVB (Certified Australian Virtual Business)
Principal, Cyberspace Virtual Services, Western Australia
www.virtualservices.com.au – Experience the Difference
www.virtualservices.com.au/CVS_blog – My contribution to business owners
www.avbn.com.au – Australian Virtual Business Network—You Deserve the Best
2007 Thomas Leonard International VA of Distinction Award Nominee
Contented Member of ‘A Clayton’s Secretary’
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