Problem with Multi tasking

[jgs]

Besides teaching your children not to concentrate on one thing (although we don't tell them to multi-task they are watching our every move), you should schedule your day to do one thing at a time. The bottom line, studies have shown that multi-tasking affects the brain's learning system, and as a result- we do not learn as well as when we are distracted. When multi tasking- your learning is less flexible, and more specialized so you cannot retrieve the information easily.

I hate team meetings over the phone because I am always doing something when the topic gets boring or irrelevant- but then a question is asked and I look like a fool because I am always asking the question to be repeated. I am not the only one however- every team member is doing the same thing.

[Lori]

That's interesting. I'm a pretty chronic multi-tasker, I must admit. And you're right - you get much more accomplished often with one-pointed focus.

:rolleyes:

[redheadskater]

I like to think that I have a good balance between the two!

For example, when I cook dinner I also try to get alot of other little stuff done. While the water is boiling for the spaghetti, I'll quickly wash down the front of those cabinets, or throw a load in the wash or make that phone call I've been holding off all day.

The times when I know I'm not going to be distracted by the husband or kid, I then focus on learning things that are new or reading articles that I really need to absorb.

I totally agree that multi-tasking can backfire on you, but (for me) it does give me a sense of accomplishment when I can clear several things off my to-do list.

Lisa

[Lori]

Lisa,

That makes me feel better :)

Lori

P.S. How's business been?

[redheadskater]

P.S. How's business been?

Well, weird. We are busy, but not much in the way of cash is coming in. Part of the problem is that a lot of people know that my husband and I do web development from home, therefore, "hey, can you help us out"?

Now, I'm a big believer in 'what comes around goes around' so I certainly don't mind helping these people out. Plus, these sites we are working on are all for non-profit org's so I know they appreciate the work we do for such a small price. But there's a point you reach where you're working alot and your personal time is very little and you think - why am I doing this? If I can make enough extra cash so that we can take a little mini vacation to the Dells, then it's worth it to me. Plus, I have a special needs child so he comes first - and I have to fit everything else in there somewhere.

So this year I am hopeful that all my giving will come back to me next year with referrals. I did get one company call to request a quote from me, which was interesting because on my site I do not have my phone number listed. So they got my number from someone else. That's cool.

Hope business is going well for you.
Lisa

[Lori]

I hear that! I'm sure it will pay off. I hope you're linking at the bottom of the sites over to yours. You should at least get some backlinks from it :D

I need to get some templates made for a client of mine who has a sitebuilder. A basic header (780 pixels wide) and links down the left side of the page... Could also have a footer.

The target market is political candidates.

If you're interested in quoting for a template, PM me. There would be potential here for some ongoing work if the price is right and he likes your work.

Just let me know :)

Lori

[beglobal]

Here you have an interesting site about time management (http://www.time-management-essentials.com) check it out: http://www.time-management-essentials.com :D

[josi]

I always thought multitasking was a female thing.

Sometimes you need to think about the things you do together. I don't do two things that invalve wods at the same time, Otherwords you miss one. I will listen to calls and fold laundry, or staighten my desk. I don't listen to a call and read e-mail.

If you are listening to something that you need to lern, you could try mindless doodling or coloring. Works for me, and is fun for my kids to do those things with mom.

I would like to know how a 32 year old can learn to spell. I have just about tied eveything.

Donna

[Audrey]

I would like to know how a 32 year old can learn to spell. I have just about tied eveything.

Donna

Donna,

Use a word processor. I use word processor all of the time. I also have someone proof my articles, as I often miss a letter, but the word is still a real word. Thankfully, MSWord does catch incorrect sentences, so that helps too. You can also do crossword puzzles. They help both spellnig and vocabulary. You can buy crossword puzzle books ranging from super easy to impossibly hard.

[josi]

I realy like the idea of crossword puzzels, very clever. I just get tired of having my husband check so much of my work. Oh well, thats life.

Thanks

Donna

[beglobal]

Besides teaching your children not to concentrate on one thing (although we don't tell them to multi-task they are watching our every move), you should schedule your day to do one thing at a time. The bottom line, studies have shown that multi-tasking affects the brain's learning system, and as a result- we do not learn as well as when we are distracted. When multi tasking- your learning is less flexible, and more specialized so you cannot retrieve the information easily.
What an interesting site. I think it could be very useful for all of us.

[Web Content Writer]

I think the key to successful multi-tasking is knowing what tasks need and require 100% focus, and which ones don’t.

If you find that you are easily distracted while on a team call or whatever, have a doodle pad near you and draw on that to help keep your focus.

I have found over the years that having the radio on helps me to stay focused when I'm typing.

But I have also learned that I can do many things while cooking or doing the laundry. In the time that I can bake two chicken breasts, I can vacuum my house. While a load is in the wash, I can clean the bathrooms. While I'm on hold with a company's customer service, I can reorganize my recipe box.

Everyone learns and absorbs information differently. If you require great focus, perhaps multi-tasking is not for you. Maybe you’d be better off with strict scheduling and strong time management.