The Multi-Tasking Delusion

Huda is so proud of her ability to answer emails, take calls on her cell, do leg extension exercises, and enjoy a leisurely meal with an old friend – all at the same time.  She calls herself the “multi-tasking queen”.  I call her delusional.  But she can take it from me – as long as I explain what I mean.

I’m not a neuro-scientist, but I do know that our brains are designed by Allah SWT to filter out most stimuli, and to generalize what does come in.  It is designed to  only focus on one thing at one time – and a recent study by a famous neurologist (how I wish I could remember his name or where I saw his article – I know, I know, note to self – jot down references – I must have been ‘multi tasking’ at the time) concludes that true multi tasking is not humanly possible. 

We think it is – but the brain actually does one thing – pauses – and then does the other.  Sometimes this can happen quickly, so that you barely notice it - even though your ‘leisurely’ meal companion likely will. 

And the more we try to multi-task in too many directions (effectively shortening the ‘pause times’ between tasks), our minds begin to go haywire.  Worst case scenario –  we may “blank out,” literally becoming unable to perceive what it is we have to do.

If you’ve ever stood in a room and wondered what you came there to do, you might have experienced the dreaded ‘blank out’.  And you want to be careful – too much ‘multi tasking’ may lead to too many ‘blank outs’.  Scared, yet?

If not, trust me – multi tasking is not effective.  Honestly, if you ask these ‘so busy answering my 101 messages via every latest technology designed to imprison me and my time,’ people what it is they actually got done – it’s probably very little in comparison to if they’d actually given themselves time to focus on the task at hand – and get that done.  Then move to the next one. 

Seriously, unless you’re auditioning for a role as a circus juggler – learning to abandon you’re multi-tasking ways will give you more calm, more productivity.  And make your meal companion feel special.

*****

Here’s how:

Step 1:  Admit that You have a problem

- and no, this isn’t a 12 step process.  Maybe, I should write a book   Seriously, knowledge is power and recognizing what you are doing in anything is the first course of action to changing it.

What are you currently juggling and what area do you wish that you could manage more effectively? 

Write it down (without focusing on any other task). 

Step 2:  Become the Prioritizing Queen

Your first priority should be to take some time each day to recognize what needs your attention and then rank them in order of importance.  I actually do this at night for the next day – but you can do it whenever works best for you – so long as it’s a time where you’re thinking clearly (without distractions).

Writing down what you need to do in order of importance means that you can visually see and focus on what’s most pressing, leaving less necessary items for later.  You’ll be amazed at your daily productivity if you can get this down to an art.

Step 3:  Practice Maze Puzzles

No, this isn’t another task to add to your full plate.  Do you know those maze puzzles that ask you to find a way out and you focus on finding the only route that will work?  You follow it with your pencil and once you are out – you’re done.  Depending on the complexity of the puzzle, this can be a quick, focused and productive exercise.  All of us with delusions of “multi-tasking syndrome” should practice it more.

Here’s how: 

Designate a period of time during which you will focus entirely on a task.  It doesn’t have to be long, but the time involved should be relevant to the task.  Set a timer for the amount you decide on and then start working with “getting out of the maze-like” focus until the timer goes off. 

*****

Practice this one exercise consistently, and you’ll thank me inshAllah.  And all the messages, projects, and people who vie for a slice in your ‘multi-tasking’ pie will thank you.

So, Huda, how about that lunch now ?