Today – I’m on a search for answers! Over the next few months, as a guest blogger for Get Organised, I’ll be examining the pros and cons of multi-tasking.
I’m curious . . .
What is the most bizarre case of multi-tasking you have ever seen?
When do you multi-task?
When do you refuse to multi-task?
My most bizarre example – watching a man driving a car while playing a saxophone. True story!
Please, type your examples in the comment section below!
I personally don’t think multitasking (doing 2 things at the same time) is actually possible. At least that’s my philosophy. If you don’t believe me try reading and writing at the same time. You see instead of multitasking what the brain is doing is switching from one task to another so fast that you are unconscious of the switch.
Now when is it appropriate. Not every often. You will get a lot more accomplished when you focus on one thing at a time.
Hi Linda –
I’m in your camp! I really believe that single-tasking is the way to go. However, I’m trying to really see the other side (since I’ve committed to blogging about the Pro’s AND the Con’s). . . can multi-tasking ever be beneficial? Personally, I listen to (and sing along with) the radio when I drive, fold laundry while watching TV, talk on the phone while taking my morning walk (sure makes exercise go quicker!) . . . so, maybe multi-tasking does have a place – depending on the tasks.
Thanks so much for your insightful comment!
Lisa
I’ve seen a girl getting dressed while she was driving. I’m like – what the heck was SHE thinking?
ROFL – some people truly amaze you!
Bonnie –
Oh my! I’ll add this to my list!!!! :) Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
Personally, I was one of those multi task ladies, that drive and do my make up at the same time! I remember people starring at me, in the traffic… But I guess with the maturity and knowing that I can get into a car accident for being distract, I stopped doing it…
Reny –
Thanks for sharing your example . . . I’m often amazed at the women who can complete full make-up during their morning commute. I can’t even put lipstick on without looking in the mirror! (Not that I’m in favor of driving and putting on make-up!) :)
Lisa
I can’t believe that someone thinks it’s safe to drive and play the saxaphone. But then I remind myself of what I’ve tried to do while driving – change my shoes, texting, trying to grab something from the back seat that I can barely reach etc.
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything too crazy, except that I changed my shoes while driving. I don’t necessarily care for multitasking unless the tasks require little brain power. When I’m talking on the phone, I’m pretty much useless for anything else because I need to focus entirely on what the person is saying.
For work related stuff, I do my best not to multitask because I believe I can get things done faster if I don’t.
Keri –
I appreciate your insights! I also believe the importance of the task is proportional to the amount of “single attention” it deserves. The only thing I can do while talking on the phone is walk (or pace – depending on the conversation!)
Lisa
Hands up! I can’t actually multi- task. I can only concentrate on one thing at a time and personally think this is a more efficient way to get things done. I don’t think I’ve really seen anyone do anything too outrageous, certainly nothing like playing the Sax whilst driving. Sheesh.
Caroline –
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I to am a big believer in “single tasking” . . . yet . . . upon close examination, I find I do multi-task! I listen to afformations while weeding my garden, meditate while laying in the sun, and cut coupons while listening to podcasts. I guess it depends on the activity!
Lisa
Lisa – you are right. If the one job is repetitive and ‘low risk’ requiring little concentration, I agree with you. Otherwise..
:)
Your example with the saxophone reminded me of my mother. She used to drive in the left lane on the highway (she said it was to avoid the big trucks) and stay at the speed limit so people would have to pass her on the right. And she’d file her nails while she drove! It terrified me, and as soon as I got my driver’s license I never let her drive me anywhere again!
Having said that, I do think multitasking is possible. You just have to do one rote task while you do one thinking task, and avoid trying two tasks that require the same skill. If you knit, for example, you could certainly knit and read at the same time, but not knit and pare an apple. I sometimes peel apples while watching tv, but reading and watching tv won’t work.
Rachel –
Thanks for your driving example – that’s a classic! I agree – I think the key to multi-tasking is the amount of importance and attention you place on each task! I appreciate that you stopped by!
Lisa
I am not very good at multi-tasking and choose to concentrate on doing one thing at a time. I have seen a few women putting on their makeup while driving. Not a very safe thing to do. I have never seen anyone playing a sax while driving. I wonder if how he managed the steering wheel?
Robin –
He used his knees on the steering wheel (I think!!) The more examples of multi-tasking I hear, the more I’m glad I work from home and am not commuting during high traffic times!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Lisa
I multitask if I listen to music and work on the computer. Not sure if that is really bad, probably it’s one of those cases where you can really do 2 things at the same time!
Delia –
I do the same!!! Sometimes I even sing along . . .unless I’m typing! Thanks for your comment!
Lisa
I am not good at multi-tasking. To me, it’s more enjoyable to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Irma –
Thanks for your comment! Looking at the comments . . . many people feel the same way!
Lisa
I once spent all day at a continuing legal education seminar fervently cross-stitching a Christmas stocking for my niece. I had made stockings for my two older nieces, about 7 and 10 years prior, for their first Christmases, and each took me well over a month to do. About 2 weeks before Christmas, my sister commented about how my new niece (then 6 months old) was excited to be getting her hand-made Christmas stocking. oops. I had totally forgotten about that “tradition” I had inadvertently set up. So I spent every spare minute over the next 2 weeks cross-stitching and sewing that thing – including 7 hours in a legal ed conference. The guy sitting next to me was rather amazed that I was the one asking the most questions and being the most engaged with the speakers, while crafting a lovey Old St. Nick out of embroidery floss!
WOW – Jennifer! Thanks so much for your example. I’ll admit – not something I have ever seen!!! Great post . . . amazing what we will do when we are on a deadline!!!
Lisa