Hello!
I looked and didn't see a discussion on this topic. I'm working on not multi-tasking. This is really difficult for me because I have ADD and my brain does not naturally do one thing at a time (more like fifteen things at a time). So, I'm chugging along and focusing on what I'm doing and I get one thing completed this morning without doing something else at the same time, and I'm feeling pretty good and then I hit a road-block. One of the things I had to do today was install a new piece of software on my computer. So, I download the software and it takes about five minutes to download. And then I install the software, which takes about fifteen minutes (my work computer operates at Molasses in January speeds). So, during that 20 minutes, what do I do? I wound up making phone calls and reading some stuff and staring out the window, but I can't figure out if that's in line with the "no multi-tasking" goal I'm working on. I don't mind much if I kind of messed up, because again, this is really hard and I'm not even sure it's something I can actually do, but the question was bugging me, so I thought I'd ask.
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... I just finished reading an article that is scarily relevant here. You should check that out.
As for multitasking during things that don't require your direct influence, that's a no-brainer: As long as you don't have to babysit it, it's okay to let it run by itself. Heck, just staring at it while it copies files is a waste of time, really.
However, this invites a problem: These tasks may distract you from the install, so that three hours later you notice it on your taskbar and remember that you were supposed to finish the install process and then configure it. A good way to prevent this is to set a timer (either a literal eggtimer or an email alert) for twenty minutes.
I use a heavily-modded Emergent Task Planner to track my activities. Notice that there are not one, but several columns on the right for filling in the hours you spent on certain tasks. This doesn't only cater to multitaskers; it can handle tasks that go together like peanut butter and honey.
In my case, I often houseclean while listening to an audiobook or brainstorming ideas for one of my writing projects. Housecleaning is a productive yet brainless task that can get your creative juices moving.
I guess what I'm trying to say here is: Don't feel so guilty about doing two things at once. 'Multitasking' generally refers to trying to do two involved things at once (watching TV while doing your taxes, for example). If neither task is being done properly or efficiently, you may need to set them aside until you can focus on each individually.
As for multitasking during things that don't require your direct influence, that's a no-brainer: As long as you don't have to babysit it, it's okay to let it run by itself. Heck, just staring at it while it copies files is a waste of time, really.
However, this invites a problem: These tasks may distract you from the install, so that three hours later you notice it on your taskbar and remember that you were supposed to finish the install process and then configure it. A good way to prevent this is to set a timer (either a literal eggtimer or an email alert) for twenty minutes.
I use a heavily-modded Emergent Task Planner to track my activities. Notice that there are not one, but several columns on the right for filling in the hours you spent on certain tasks. This doesn't only cater to multitaskers; it can handle tasks that go together like peanut butter and honey.
In my case, I often houseclean while listening to an audiobook or brainstorming ideas for one of my writing projects. Housecleaning is a productive yet brainless task that can get your creative juices moving.
I guess what I'm trying to say here is: Don't feel so guilty about doing two things at once. 'Multitasking' generally refers to trying to do two involved things at once (watching TV while doing your taxes, for example). If neither task is being done properly or efficiently, you may need to set them aside until you can focus on each individually.
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That makes sense (that article was so very descriptive of my brain. I think I need to break out the imaginary friends, although I do work in an office. But it's a 2 person office- me and my director- and I'm alone in here a lot. My director's used to me mumbling to myself anymore anyway). So I will continue to go on with the using downtime to accomplish other things. Good.
And now back to work! Thanks!
And now back to work! Thanks!
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