I’m a huge believer in multitasking. I mean, how else am I going schedule appointments and update my planner while I balance my checkbook? Listen to an audiobook while cooking dinner? Write out my to-do list while I eat breakfast? Check my emails and reply to texts while I paint my nails?
I could name 50 more multitasking combos that I partake in regularly. But I won’t bore you with that. The goal of multitasking, and why I love it oh so much, is because of the ability to complete two, maybe even three, tasks in a short period of time. Or in other words,
multitasking saves a boat load time.
What I want to talk about, is how I’m slowly starting to realize, that while yes, I am saving time, I’m actually missing out. Big time. I’m beginning to realize that maybe multitasking isn’t the best way to go about doing things.
I mean, I’m not really giving each and every task my full attention. How could I? A half hearted email response to a friend about an upcoming event I’m bouncing in between 10 other open tabs. Forgetting to buy X while I’m grocery shopping while I’m on the phone…
WHY ONE THING AT A TIME
Countless studies have proven that it’s nearly impossible to focus on more than one task at a time. My intention for the week is to S L O W down what I’m doing. I’m going to do one (just one!) thing at a time. And also, reassure myself that it’s perfectly OK to take a bit longer to get things done. After all, that to-do list truly is never ending. So what if things pile up for a bit more time?
WHAT I’M GOING TO DO (AT LEAST ATTEMPT TO)
I’m going to eat breakfast, and then write out my to-do list. I’m going to wait until after I’m off the phone before adding 3 items to that list. I’m going to do this better, and with more attention. Each of these items deserve my full attention — don’t they? Because I really want to live better in the moment. In the spectacular now.
After all, living a mindful life is a living a blissful life.