Multitasking: The Death of Sanity

I think I am the multitasking master of the universe. I can email, check my IM, reply to a text and rearrange my desk all at the same time. At this point I don't even realize that I am doing it, it just happens naturally and it seems like this is just how life is these days. I mean, you are supposed to be busy to be productive, right?

I think I am probably no different than most people keeping up with work and personal demands. The problem that is I think all this multitasking is burning brain cells at an alarming rate and I need to figure out a way to eliminate the mental clutter that besieges my day. I have read books that give all kinds of advice that does not seem to work. I have recently tried to take matters into my own hands and take control of my actions more consciously.

for instance today I sat at my desk and actually permitted by blackberry to buzz with text messages and I consciously made a decision not to pick it up and finish what I was working on. I mean I always pick it up and look, it is like a train wreck....you don't want to look but you feel compelled to. It is quite frightening to realize that a little electronic device has so much control over your day. This might not seem like a victory to some, but to those "crackberry" addicts you understand what it means.

I feel I gave the task I was working on the attention that it warranted and then I retrieved the text's. I suggest that somehow, someway that you try and clear some mental clutter and concentrate on one thing at a time. You will save some brain cells and might even do some of your best work if you are not distracted.

I knew I had to do something when my eight year old son said, "Dad, put away that pesky phone..I can't stand that thing". I am a work in progress. Start taking back your sanity today.