Technology Overload: The Art of Multitasking

From early technological advances--the steam engine to the automobile to more modern advances such as computers, the internet, email, cell phones, instant and text messaging--people are able to get more done at a much quicker pace. Nowadays jobs are being made easier through the use of computers and fax machines. Instead of writing letters we send emails, instant and text messages. Cell phones have become increasingly popular among just about every age group, from preteens to senior citizens and everyone in between. While all of these things allow for much more convenient forms of communicating, they can also be a source of chaos among those of us who try to use many of these devices simultaneously.

Imagine sitting in your office sending out important emails for your boss as your office phone rings--you answer it and in the midst of your conversation you hear the buzzing of your cellphone on vibrate. As you're fumbling around for your cellphone you're also trying to jot down a message from the caller you're on the phone with and that email is still waiting to be sent. On your desk there's a stack of papers you need to fax as soon as possible and you're texting your significant other to remind them to pick up your shirt from the cleaners. The art of multitasking. While individually the use of electronic devices can make things easier, trying to juggle with many of them at once can leave you feeling frazzled, impatient, and irritable. This scenario paints a picture of a distracting work environment due to focusing on too many tasks at once. So how do we take control and get things done more efficiently when we have tons of things we need to do? Well as simple as this sounds, all you have to do is try focusing on one thing at a time. Sure there may be a few interruptions here and there, but when you're concentrating on getting a specific job done you need to get to it and put everything else aside. You can decide if you want to do the easier stuff first or tackle the bigger, more time consuming projects before anything else.

Multitasking can actually hurt you more than it can help you. For instance, when your focus isn't completely on the task at hand, it's not going to be your most productive work. You're often rushing through it trying to get to the other things you have to do or trying to do too many things at once. Don't worry about how fast others may be working. Although many fields of work are competitive with workers vying for the same promotions, efficiency and effectiveness outweigh speed and mediocrity any day. In the end your boss will want a project that is done right, not necessarily one that was done quick. Oftentimes when doing too many things at once, your work will be mediocre at best and you're bound to forget an important detail or two. A clear mind is one that's not racing or focusing on several things at once.

Think about your tasks like a horserace. When horses come out of the gate, they are focused on one thing and that is the finish line. They aren't trying to see what the other horses are doing. All they care about is the task at hand--getting to the finish line. Even the horse that crosses the finish line last still completes the task.

One reason people multitask is because it makes them feel like they're getting alot done in a short amount of time. While this may be true for some multitaskers, the work you're doing is often ineffective and you're left wondering where did the time go and why you still have so much work to do. Multitasking can create a panicky feeling of frustration when we realize we're not getting as much done as we thought we were. This can lead to anxiety which, in the long run, can lead to dysfunction and mental angst.

Our electronic gadgets can make our lives simpler if we learn how to put them in their proper place. We need to control them instead of letting them control us. Sure it's convenient to be able to send emails, faxes, text messages, voice mails, self checkout in stores, slide credit cards instead of counting out change--the list goes on and on. But when we try to do many of these things at once, more than likely you'll get your wires crossed and end up creating a mess that you have to sort through, which of course only takes up even more of your time. It's not always necessary to spend extra long hours at the office, cutting back on your sleep to meet workplace demands. You just need to fall into a routine of tackling your problems one at a time. You'll notice that things will flow more smoothly and you'll get more work done.

While work is important, it's also important to have some time to yourself where you're able to relax without thinking about multitasking or any other kind of work. Set aside thirty minutes a day to relax or connect with friends. Cut off your electronic devices for a few moments and connect on an interpersonal level. I'm sure many people would love to receive a handwritten letter from a friend or loved one every now and then. A quick visit is more personal than a quick phone call. You have to crawl before you walk, and when you do walk you still have to take it one step at a time. If you see your work like this, one step at a time, things will be much more effective for you.