How to Not Multitask

Image by the real janelle

No, sometimes 24-hours is just not enough time in a day to eat, sleep, relax, and get all your stuff done. I can dig that - I'm a mom. Multitasking is the inevitable way to go.

But there's only so much you can juggle at once. You will reach a breaking point. Of the 5 things you're doing at once, only one gets done (and not done well), while the others are in various states of completion. Meanwhile, the kids are crying, the toast is burning, your tax forms are covered in coffee, and you're screaming for Calgon to take you away.

There's something to be said about doing ONLY one thing at a time. You are present in the moment. It's zen - pure simplicity - refreshing. Your one chosen task gets done, done well, and oftentimes, done much faster.

But after multitasking for so long, you may have to re-learn how to unitask. I had to. Here are some ideas that may help:

1) Make a list of things you need to do, and do only one thing at a time, checking each item off as it gets done.

2) Say 'no'. Don't take on any new tasks until the ones you need to get done are off your list.

3) Get rid of distractions. Turn off the tv, cell phone, computer (gasp!), and anything else that would break your concentration.

4) Prioritize. Put off things that aren't time-sensitive, urgent, or required for a later task.

5) Identify time bandits, and deal with them accordingly. One of my obsessions is blog reading and commenting. I can easily do it all day! I set a rule of no blogs after dinner. That's family time! Unless family is off doing their own thing, of course. :)

Multitasking is still an issue for me, but I'm working on it. So, how about you...

What do you do to stop yourself from multitasking? To try to stay in the 'here and now'?