MULTI-TASKING GOOD OR BAD…HAVING IT ALL OR DOING TOO MUCH?
By: Candy Whirley - Posted on January 17, 2011 - 5 comments
I recently had one of those days where I wanted to do it all…and I did..and I loved it! It was 12:00 pm I met with the CEO and COO of a company I will be training and consulting with this year. So I took great notes, did my research, wore my conservative “meet with executives” clothes and had a great meeting, finished at 1:30 pm. At 2:30 pm I changed into my snow boots, hat, gloves and snow pants… it was time to sled ride with 3 year old Corban and 2 year old Paxton….WOO HOO!!!!! At 3:30 pm we had our hot chocolate and marshmallows and had a debrief session about how much fun we had. We had a blast. It was 5:00 pm and I had to be at a speaking gig by 6:30 pm to speak about generational differences in the work place and how to work with four generations in one organization. I changed into my fairly conservative clothes…with a flair, got my books, handouts, toys and notes I was good to go!
On this day I did the three things I love the most consult, PLAY and speak. This was the perfect day. So…multi-tasking good or bad? I believe if you are doing the things which bring you joy, laughter and fulfillment…I think multi-tasking is good as long as you are not too stretched. Multi-tasking is bad when you go from one task to another that you dislike and they cause you stress, unhappiness and anxiety. Bottom-line….YOUR CHOICE!
Candy,
It was good to hear from you again. I can tell you enjoy what you do. That’s why you are so good at it and make it so interesting to others. I’m sure your grandkids love spending time with you.
Well said Candy! We are all so busy running around crossing items off our “To Do List” that we often push ourselves into feeling guilty if everyone of those items doesn’t get accomplished. Sometimes, we should pencil in PLAY on that list; what a revelation!
You are right – it is all about choice!!!
Candy, great post that puts the subject of multi-tasking in a new light–one that actually works. Where it fails is in trying to doing multiple things at the SAME time… it’s obvious you’re smart enough to know that workable mulit-tasking means giving some separation, doing one thing well and immediately shifting to another.
Great example of how good ‘multitasking’ can be done thru some simple time management awareness… fitting things together so that each task is given it’s due alotment of time.
Thanks for a great example that we should all follow, Candy!
-jef
Absolutely agree Jef! Great points!