One thing at a time.
I'm all for multitasking if that gets the job done, especially if that works for you, but most of the time taking things one task at a time will actually be more beneficial and productive for you.
Multi-tasking is great in the kitchen when you are trying to time the chicken to be ready at the same time as the potatoes. But do not assume it is a great way to manage a workday.
-Joanne Tombrakos, writer
I think that I actually accomplish less when I multitask. In the moment it feels like I am getting a lot done, but when I look back at how long it actually took me to complete each task, I realize that it probably would have taken me less time to just complete one task at a time.
When we think we’re multitasking we’re actually multiswitching. That is what the brain is very good at doing – quickly diverting its attention from one place to the next. We think we’re being productive. We are, indeed, being busy. But in reality we’re simply giving ourselves extra work.
-Michael Harris, writer
I feel pretty scatterbrained when I am shifting from one thing to another and not completing things as I go. I realize as I'm doing it that I am actually doing more work, and it's causing me to feel more overwhelmed than if I just literally stopped and completed one thing at a time.
I think multitasking, for me, is often the inability to concentrate and see one task through. So, instead of finishing something I am struggling with and getting it done, I lose patience and interest and jump to the next thing, labeling it "multitasking."
The Russian Proverb of chasing two rabbits and catching neither one is really quite true as a metaphor for multitasking. If you chase one rabbit at a time, you may catch one or both, but if you chase them at the same time, you will catch neither.
To do two things at once is to do neither.-Publilius Syrus.
Even as I was typing this post, I was struggling to stay focused on it and get it done, and not jump to something else in the middle of it. But instead I am focusing to get this done, then I will move on to the next thing. I am really going to try and focus on one task at a time. That's a much less-overwhelming way for me to view the world -- one thing at a time, one step at a time.
I'm definitely a one-thing-at-a-time person --can't bite off more than I can chew. That's why cooking isn't my thing. Great post. Following and voting.
Thanks! Yes, it is definitely hard to cook without multitasking. 😊
I'm used to muti-tasking, but maybe a little more focus is needed. I like to have to-do lists and organise my workload.
To-do lists are a great way to stay organized! I think that multitasking is great, but only if it is actually helpful and productive. :)
Sometimes I have to multi task, but as I get older I notice that it takes more time to switch gears between tasks and I get less done. I really prefer to do one task at a time...
Yes, usually one step at a time is the way to go!
@uglysweater, to answer your question, "What about you, do you like to do one thing at a time or multitask?"
it usually depends on the situation. I could do one thing - such as I'm doing now and replying to great posts on SteemIt or I could be (as my dad calls me) A F*%#--- tornado and blow out several projects fast.
But if I have to focus...
One thing at a time! :0)
Thanks.
If you can get a whole bunch done at the same time, good for you! But, yes, focus is important. 😄
Some things require our focus and for others we can multitask, cooking being one of them as you mentioned. However, it's really important that we do everything with a full heart in order to be good at it.
I agree!
I love this! I suck with staying focused on one thing. I should put more effort in it.
It is definitely hard to put into practice if you're used to doing a whole bunch of things at once. :)