Multi Tasking is a Myth

It pains me to admit that my husband is right…”Multi~Tasking is a Myth!”  While listening to the opening address at a leadership conference last month, my mind wandered to my son’s deadline for college acceptances.  While listening, I drafted an email to him.  After the address, we were directed to discuss the learning with the person sitting beside us. I drew a blank and couldn’t think of what to say.  This experience prompted me to consider: How effective am I when I’m doing more than one task at the same time?!  The truth is…I’m not (effective or productive)!  Does this ever happen to you?

NOW is the time to stop and question: Does my “busyness” serve me? And WHY are we so proud of our bloated To Do lists and stellar multi tasking skills?  

Hazel and I in NYC

Hazel and I in NYC

What I know for sure is that the multi tasking myth must be addressed so I’ve reached out to my wise friend Hazel Navias Alterman.  Her “…immediate response is that it’s (really) about mindfulness, or the lack thereof. What you’re describing is… we are so busy multi-tasking that we do nothing with our full attention, and we lose the moment. We are no longer present for any of it, therefore losing out on all of it. ~ Hazel

My husband’s gripe is that “nothing gets done properly”. It’s all about focus. “When multi-tasking, we actually diminish our productivity.  Please share your thoughts on Multi Tasking and how you cope with your busy life.  I look forward to hearing your advice.

About Roseanne

Roseanne has been coaching since 2005, facilitating breakthroughs for clients from Hearst, Polo Ralph Lauren, Scholastic, Time, Inc., Google, Bristol Meyers, Pace, UBS, as well as business owners, entrepreneurs, and non profit executives.
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She has also shared her knowledge of work readiness and the job search process with hundreds of program participants as the job search coach for both Yonkers (Riverfront) public library and Mamaroneck’s Youth Employment Service office since 2010 and as a teacher and board member with Larchmont Mamaroneck Center for Continuing Education.