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Why I Dumped Multi-Tasking

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Why I dumped multi-taskingI used to multi-task with a flourish, proudly boasting about how much I could do at one time. Trust me, I had mad skills that would have enthralled circus-goers or at the very least gotten a round of polite applause. I had perfected the art of feeding my dogs while making my children’s lunches during which time I would make notes about my latest blog ideas and simultaneously answer emails. And yet, this is why I dumped multi-tasking.

I had reached the tipping point, that boiling over crazy zone when I forgot to do things that should never be forgotten. Shhh, don’t spread this around, but one day I actually forgot to pick up my youngest from school. I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I pretended to be my twin sister when I received a disapproving stare from the school office attendant. Note: I don’t have a twin sister.

Be Present

So I started to wonder if I wouldn’t be better off with more focus. I realized that I should put the lessons I learn in my yoga practice into practice with regards to the rest of my life. In short, I was going to strive to “be present.” That’s yoga-speak for choosing to dump multi-tasking.

And guess what? I haven’t found that I accomplish less in the day. The kids’ lunches still get made. The dogs get fed, although they wait until after sack lunches are set aside. My emails are answered and I have more time for reading my clients’ work since I only check those emails once an hour rather than jump to them every time my computer dings.

Most importantly, my writing is at the forefront of my mind when I’m at my computer. I focus solely on my project and allow my other responsibilities to get that same attention… when it’s their time. I’m not talking about locking yourself in a room for hours, ignoring family and everything else.  I’m merely suggesting that when you sit down to write, give yourself that period of time, whatever you deem reasonable, and focus solely on the writing task.

Develop More Focus

With more focus and less multi-tasking I’m also calmer and better suited to tackle the more challenging aspects of my job. (Ever try to read a legal contract while doing squats? I wouldn’t suggest it.)

If you’re a multi-tasker, why not jot down your must-do jobs and then systematically tackle each one — separately. I bet you’ll end your week with a clean slate and a fresh outlook.

Writers Write… Try Something New

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I admit that I tend to be more prolific in my writing when everything is going great. When I’m feeling good and the sun is shining, the ideas seem to flow a little faster. But today, my home in normally sunny Southern California is cold, dreary and raining. The Coronavirus has our spirits feeling uncertain. It’s understandable if Winter doldrums and the global situation have left you with writer’s block. But now is when you can and should dig deep and do what you do best…Write!

Perhaps the best way to get yourself out of a writer’s block caused by the recent turn of events is to try something new and write what you wouldn’t normally attempt.

Challenge yourself by trying a new genre. This might be particularly healing if you normally write comedy and the idea of being funny just doesn’t seem apropos right now. Similarly, if you’re a romance writer, maybe the idea of writing about love isn’t ringing true at the moment. So imagine for one minute that you give yourself permission to break into a new genre based on your mood.

“The Last” by Hanna Jameson is an excellent read, and may be exactly what you need for inspiration at this time. Here is a quick synopsis:

A psychological thriller that follows an American academic stranded at a Swiss hotel as the world descends into nuclear war—along with twenty other survivors—who becomes obsessed with identifying a murderer in their midst after the body of a young girl is discovered in one of the hotel’s water tanks.

The word “stranded” in this description is particularly apt for what many of us are going through right now. In addition to the “whodunit” nature of the book, the narrative also addresses the isolation of the characters and how they deal with limited supplies and increasing boredom.

No doubt, we are all living in unchartered territory at the moment. The headlines are scary and people are reacting. Businesses we all frequent are affected and many are closing. Lines at grocery stores are long and shelves are empty. But there is one thing that doesn’t change.

You are a writer, and writers write! It is easy to become lost in our isolation and boredom. I encourage you to write about those feelings. Turn them into realistic prose. Be raw and honest. Write like you feel. Give your readers the gift of your emotions.

If you want to share your thoughts, please know that I’m here to offer support.