We all do it. No, not quilt while driving, but multitask. Listening to This American Life while crafting, waiting on hold while getting the bills ready for the mail, helping the kids with homework while making dinner. It’s an inevitable and sometimes necessary part of life. But, I’ve been wondering lately, is it always necessary? And to what extent is it necessary? Certainly, there are only so many hours in the day and so much that needs to get done, but is it really necessary for me to be tweeting while answering email while listening to pandora while talking on the phone with the insurance company? Probably not necessary at all and not even a good idea.
Lately, I’ve really been thinking about multitasking and whether it’s really something that I need to be doing as often I end up doing it. Sometimes, I feel like I’m that proverbial rat on a treadmill and I think I want to get off. I find that it’s the media multitasking that I most abuse and I’ve decided to make some changes. No, I’m not giving up twitter (omg, no), but I am planning on spending a little more time savoring those things in life that are a little more real & tangible. Things like going for a walk and savoring the smell of wet autumn leaves on the pavement (& not listening to my iPod while doing it) or just knitting on the couch with a kitty on my lap (without the tv on in the background).
What about you? What are your thoughts on multitasking? Is it good, bad, necessary? I’m planning on posting regularly about this topic…my own struggles with trying to shed my bad multitasking habits as well as your stories and images. Do you have some stories, images, thoughts you want to share about multitasking, drop me a line.
The image above is from Cathy Gaubert and no, she wasn’t actually quilting while driving, but was waiting in the carpool line for her daughter. She is a busy momma who still finds the time to make crafty things…and I’m sure she does her fair share of multitasking! You can learn more about Cathy on her blog and see her crafty wares in her Etsy Shop.
Monkey, I too have encountered that phenomenon of stress being a status symbol, it definitely seems to be pervasive around where I live and in my family, and I’m probably guilty of falling into that trap myself. Not anymore though. Trying to live much more thoughtfully.
blue bicicletta, yes it is like an addiction or at least a severe habit. I was seriously trying to figure out how I could shower on the phone. 😛
@Monkey
I was told (in a work review) that I didn’t seem stressed enough … I thought, this is a bad thing? Apparently.
I have ADHD and multi-tasking is a way of life for me. Before I started medication I was in a constant circle of chaos moving from one uncompleted task to another and another and back again to where I started. Now I am much more focused and usually only do two things at once. But sometimes, I just need to focus on one thing in silence. It is much needed and a soul recharger.
I totally agree—I think we’ve all gotten too used to and attached to multi-tasking, but it is quite a challenge to stop—especially with media. I sometimes find myself turning on the radio just out of habit and have to actually stop myself and ask “do I want to be listening to this or would silence be better?” Often, silence is amazing and luxurious.
Also, I’ve had to make it pretty much a rule to stop talking on my cell phone while walking my dog—I mean come on–why was I doing that? I was missing walking my dog and talking to the person on the other end of the phone by doing them both at once.
It is like an addiction though, or a severely ingrained habit. First step is becoming aware of it, and then it’s a matter of stopping one habit at a time. Although, some multi-tasking is necessary unfortunately—if it’s a matter of exercising with the music, or not exercising at all, I’m all for the ipod.
Agreed with Leslie! Multi-tasking is SO over-rated. We’ve become a society obsessed about just how busy we are – or rather, how busy we make ourselves seem. I read an article about a year or so ago that mentioned how stress levels were becoming a status symbol– bragging rights. Who wants to live a life where stress is not only a norm, but a necessity to feel important? I’ve come to terms that aside from getting my rent and utilities paid on time, there really isn’t a whole lot in my life that needs to be rushed. I enjoy life and cut out the things that will ultimately not serve a purpose to me and am so much happier this way.
Multi-tasking IS over-rated, especially in a work-environment (so many mistakes!).
When multi-tasking is okay: having a conversation while having dinner (obs. not talking with your mouth full) and knitting while watching tv/a movie/listening to TAL.
I have been trying to stop multi-tasking, live in the moment and focus on what’s in front of me. It is giving me a very freeing feeling. Mutli-tasking is so over-rated.
Lovely website…it’s surely some inspiration for mine…^^