Becoming More Mindful - Embracing Single-Tasking in 2009
Multi-Tasking = Being Less Mindful
Everyday people are multi-tasking without even thinking about it. We wolf down our breakfasts while reading the morning newspaper. We drink gallons of caffeinated beverages while typing away on the keyboard. We listen to our iPods as we jog around the park. We talk on cellphones while we are driving around town or doing household chores.
I have a dear friend whom I speak with on the phone on a regular basis. During our conversations I can hear her typing away on her computer. She admits that she will often read and respond to emails while conversing with me. Admittedly, she is quite adept at keeping a lively conversation going while her fingers are busily typing away. The only task I can perform somewhat effectively while talking on the phone is unloading my dishwasher. Even then, a speck of dried-on-food stuck to a dinner plate will distract me from the conversation flow.
Multi-tasking certainly comes easier for some people than others. But I'm not so sure that multi-tasking is the best course of action for anyone. Oh, I understand why we do it. We try to squeeze in as much work as we can in as few hours as possible. Either we take on too many projects, continually playing catch-up. OR, we simply want to get all of our work done as soon as possible to allow us some free time for ME TIME.
Single-Tasking = Being More Mindful
I have decided to avoid multi-tasking. Instead, I have decided to embrace Single-Tasking. My goal for this new year is to focus on one thing at a time. I desire to live in the moment and block my mind from wandering from the task-at-hand and thinking about what comes next. Naturally, I have a to-do list, doesn't everyone? But, in my perfect single-tasking world I won't be allowing myself to think about those undone things waiting to get done on my to-do-list. Thinking about what I need to get done while I'm working on something else is a mental form of multi-tasking... tsk, tsk. There will be none of that. Whenever I become distracted my mantra will be Return to Focus.
Three years ago I turned off my email-check timer. I check for incoming email manually on my own time schedule. Alerts that I have new mail every five minutes, every ten minutes, or every thirty minutes are a distraction of the moment. This past year I have also stopped reaching for my telephone every time it rings. Voice mail is a godsend! Also, if I'm expecting a call, CallerID is my new dearest friend. No distractions allowed. I only answer the calls from people I want to converse with at the time.
I suspect that if I truly focus on the work of the moment, not rushing to get it done, but allowing it to progress in a natural pace that I will feel calmer. Everything in good time, one thing at a time. Even when I am unable to complete a project in one sitting, I will feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I gave it my undivided attention for a set period of time. I expect to be able to walk away from it without fret. I can pick up where I left off another day. My focus will turn to something else, and later something else. My goal is not to clutter my mind with more than one activity at a time. My mind will be free from the muddle, no longer thinking about when I'm going to get everything done. My relax time will be a time for focusing on relaxation, not a time to fret about other things that need doing.
Right now I am focused on blogging and getting clear in my head about my Return To Focus plan for today and for the coming year. Although the coming year is too far in the future for me to get too concerned with. What are you focusing on right now? A single task I hope.
Wish me luck!
Note: This post has been linked from two blog carnivals Meditation, Yoga & Personal Development Carnival and Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog Carnival. Thanks Anmol and Brandon!
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Comments
Great post! Yes, I agree with you, and actually was thinking about multitasking and it’s downside lately. I will accept this challenge with you - but wait, maybe the intention should not be that it might become a challenge, but an opportunity. So, here is to this opportunity for inner peace through single-tasking! Blessed Be! p.s love your work on about!
Solitary Phoenix,
“Opportunity for inner peace through single-tasking”
I LIKE!
First thing this morning I caught myself mentally breaking away from the moment. I was brushing my teeth but my mind was miles away, thinking about items to add to my grocery list. I stopped my mental shopping and focused (RETURN TO FOCUS) on cleaning my teeth and gums. I allowed myself to feel gratitude for having healthy teeth and having the means to pay for dental care over the years. I also took the time to floss, which I seldom do in the morning, reserving that chore for bedtime. I ended my teeth brushing ritual with a satisfaction smile in the mirror.
Simple tasks can be appreciated, we just need to BE in the moment.
SINGLE TASKING! Imagine! How will I get through the day? I’ve sometimes even got 5 or 6 sites open in my Browser at the same time!
But I completely understand the concept of single-tasking and have tried it a couple of times, enjoying the satisfaction end sense of calm that prevailed during that time. But I soon found myself slipping back into the old habit of doing 10 things at the same time. It’s going to take a lot of effort to change…
Ahhh… Single Tasking! This is similar to my theme for 2009 and I’m glad to see I’m not alone. My theme this year is simplicity - and FOCUS. Like you, I’m focusing on one task at a time, and not allowing myself to wander too far off of it.
I’m wanting space, expansion, and clarity this year… I’m letting go of mindlessness, doing too much, and “striving.”
I turned off my e-mail notification, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Voicemail and caller ID. It’s nice to not pick up the phone every time it rings.
I feel very in-control of my time, and so far, I feel peaceful, serene, and like I’m REALLY accomplishing things and moving forward… even if I only get 2 things done during the day - I still feel better than when I tried to do 10 things all at once!
And don’t forget to stop and smell the roses and cuddle with your pet once in a while. Those are small tasks that need to get squeezed in each and every day for a healthy state of mind and body. Your pet will appreciate it too! Not sure about the roses.
Jenn,
Single-track minds think alike!
Maree,
Maybe you could start out slow, like assigning yourself one day a week for single-tasking and see how it goes.
I’m in!
Single tasking is the way to go! Effective immediately.
Blessings to you!
Selina
I have been reading Eckhart Tholle and practicing deep breathing to focus on “now” as part of this process. I have also recently made the decision to stop multi-tasking. I use to want a T-shirt that said, “I’m the happiest, when I can do 3 things at a time.”
Now that I have begun to practice experiencing the peace of living in the “now”, I no longer have that desire or compulsion to do 3 things at a time. I believe I still accomplish quit a bit, but I truly am enjoying the journey and myself more. It’s nice to know others are walking the journey. Peace
Dear Phylameana:
Hooray for a return to single-tasking! Far too many of us wear multi-tasking as a badge of honor. However, there are scientific studies that show that multi-tasking actually makes us “dumber,” not smarter, because our brain keeps jumping from thing to thing. That’s why I’ve decided not to answer Skype and Yahoo messenger calls/messages when I am very actively engaged in a project on the computer. I’m just not going to split my attention that way.
As we engage in more and more high-tech activities that allow us to be in multiple places at one time, I think the more we will come to realize the need for laser beam focus!
Good luck with your single-tasking!
Sincerely,
Paula Quick
Thank you for your comments Paula. “laser beam focus” Now that is what I want!