The computer age has brought many changes to human society including many adaptations of our language to incorporate computer terminology. The term multitasking was conceived by technicians seeking a way to describe the capabilities of computers. Yet in modern society we seem to have accepted it as a way of life and in many cases the depiction of effectiveness. Employers these days want people that can multitask, as individuals we seem to believe that multitasking is a necessity just to get through our lives. Whew, makes me tired just thinking about it.
Research shows that multitasking is not as good as many of us think. A series of studies has revealed that a continuing practice of multitasking results in less effectiveness and a general lost in productivity. This sounds eerily similar to what I hear from many of my clients every day. Comments like “my schedule seems to be backing up today”, or “there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done”, are common among most small business owners. Our growing obsession with trying to get a little bit of something done with everything, results in our not being able to finish anything. What’s more relevant is the fact we have adjusted our lives to believe that not finishing is acceptable.
In order to be more effective in our daily lives and in business, it is necessary to have controlled and concentrated focus. That means what we learned before we started trying to turn ourselves into computers was right all along. We heard it a million times while growing up “you can’t do but one thing at a time”. In his book The Master Key System author Charles Haanel suggest that concentrated thought and focus is the door to unlimited success. When a congruency of activity converges on the brain, they create a bottle neck that prevents complete and accurate actions.
You should find a method of conducting business that will results in completing task. I have found that a “One Touch” system works well for me and would recommend it highly. The “One Touch System” requires that any and every item you touch must be dealt with through completion or results in action being taken by someone else. By employing this system you will find that things will get done. Work does not pile up and you can begin new projects and task that keep your business moving forward. Whatever you do don’t fall victim to the false assumption that multitasking is an effective way to run your business.
