Exploding the Multi-Tasking Myth By Akhil Shahani At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

How often have you wished for two heads and four pairs of hands, as you expertly (?) juggle mobile phone, sandwich, files, kids’ demands and who knows what else at one go? The mad rush which is today’s lifestyle, simply does not allow us the luxury of doing one thing at a time. And if you’re an entrepreneur to boot, well good luck to you – you probably don’t remember a time when you weren’t multi-tasking. As you try to grapple with the complex demands of work and home, there seems to be no go other than finding ways to stretch time and effort.

Multi-tasking is simply the art of doing more than one thing at the same time, only it’s not all that simple. A number of research studies have revealed a few home truths about multi-tasking. Contrary to popular belief, multi-tasking does not really help you do more, at least not to the fullest extent. When people switch tasks midway, they actually lose efficiency – which means they take more time to do things, than they would had they done them in succession. What a ghastly thought! Also, the longer you take to return to an unfinished job, the less likely you are to remember where you left off. We’re not done yet – multi-tasking actually creates more stress than it busts. It also gives you the nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something, or that your memory isn’t what it used to be. Ha, have we now got your total attention, or are you still sending text messages in between paragraphs?

Face it buddy, it ain’t happening. So, what can you do? Plenty, actually!

Start by giving up multi-tasking, yes, you read us right. And now, for a few measures that will actually help you do more in the same amount of time.

Use that watch. Let it not be a mere fashion accessory any longer. Run over some of the jobs you need to get done through the day, and write down how long you think you’ll take to do them. Now, start doing them one by one, timing each carefully. Surprised by the results? Most times we underestimate the physical time spent on doing things. A realistic schedule will help take the pressure off in a big way. This may need you to delegate or defer a few jobs, or even decide you can do without them. In any case, the end result is that you will have accomplished those tasks that were of the highest priority. If you’re still hungry for tips on managing time, might help.

Clear that memory. And no, we’re not talking computers here. Don’t load those grey cells with a to-do list a mile long. Use pen and paper instead, and get the tasks off your mind until it’s time to do them. If you’ve got a really bad case of multi-tasking insomnia which doesn’t let you sleep, we advise you to keep a notepad by your bedside. Write it down in the middle of the night if need be, so you can finally switch off.

Keep the phone off the hook… or use that infernal answering machine for once. Say you’re writing a project proposal; you can’t do it if you want to answer client calls or send email at the same time. Remember that you can and should push distractions away. Important assignments must be given the attention and time span that they need.

Shut down. How many times does your system do that? Every battery needs recharging, especially those that power human entrepreneurs. Refresh your mind and body doing things that you enjoy, so that you can attack that work load with gusto on Monday morning.

Multi-tasking is really a bit of a myth. As far as you are concerned, remember, you’re only human.

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