February 22, 2024

When I tell you there is a day for everything. There REALLY is a day for everything and I’m here for it!!!!!!

Today is National Single Tasking Day!

For the last several years the buzz word has been MULTI-TASKING! While on the surface that may seem like a good thing. I mean who DOESN’T want to get more than one thing done at a time?

As more and more studies are conducted it is becoming obvious that multi-tasking is NOT as productive as we thought. Some of the points against it are…

…it divides attention. This reminds me of the time in my childhood when my grandfather told my brothers how to use their walkie talkies. “You can’t talk and listen at the same time. You gotta pick one.”

…it interrupts the brain. Our brains use more energy than any other part of our bodies. Working on one thing, then shifting to another, then back to the first, etc. is like unto the useage of fuel in our vehicles. A full tank of gas doesn’t get as many miles in the city as it does on the freeway because of the stop and go in city traffic.

…It might be leading to memory loss. Mama told us not to sit too close to the tv because “you’re gonna ruin your eyes.” Well scientists are now saying don’t go overboard with your media multitasking or you may have trouble with your working and even your long term memory.

You may be asking, “Girlllll what’s that got to do with organizing?” I’m glad you asked.

Multi-tasking, in many instances, results in multiple tasks left incomplete and even completed tasks done inadequately. Three days…one week…one month…a whole summer of this leads to clutter and chaos.

Studies show that – as in other areas of life – our minds can be trained to single task in all situations. Here are a few things you can do to train your brain.

Be fully present whenever you are on the phone – no driving, no putting on your shoes, no watching tv (unless you are watching your favorite show “together”). Be all in!

Brush your teeth. That’s IT!!! Don’t wipe down the sink, don’t close the shower curtain. Brush, look in the mirror and relax!

Just chill while standing in the checkout line. Those tabloid headlines aren’t relevant. That text can wait. Just BE.

Multitasking is proving not to necessarily increase our productivity. Because additional negative effects are being discovered now is a good time to take measures to teach ourselves to focus and single task.

Today is Single Tasking Day but I think this is something we can work on everyday.