I picked up a quick read for a long plane ride I was taking this month entitled "The Myth of Multitasking: How "Doing It All" Gets Nothing Done" by Dave Crenshaw. This is a great little book with a great big message.

I always took pride in my ability to multi-task. There are numerous articles that scientifically state that women are better at multi-tasking than men. I have believed this for a long time and I still believe it is true… All the tasks we do in a day when we are multitasking actually take longer than they would if they were done individually.

"The brain is a lot like a computer. You may have several screens open on your desktop, but you're able to think about only one at a time." ~ William Stixrud, PhD, Neuropsychologist

In the book, one of the characters explains the concept of "switchtasking." This happens when we try to perform two or more tasks at the same time that require mental effort. We tend to believe that we can do more than one thing at a time. This is a myth. The human mind can consciously concentrate on only one thing at a time.

By Helico

Switchtasking is the process of switching between tasks. This is what we are doing when we think we are multi-tasking. Switchtasking is a less effective and efficient way to get things done. It is costing us a lot as a society, including adding to our inability to focus.

Here are some useful tips from the book:

• Recognize that multitasking is a lie.
• Give people your full attention when dealing with them.
• Schedule plenty of travel time between appointments.
• Become aware of the truth about how you have been using your time on a weekly basis.
• Create a new and realistic budget for how you will use your time on a weekly basis.
• Set expectations, and create personal "shop hours" to let people know when you are available.
• Minimize switchtasking
• Never commit to something without your calendar in hand.

"Multitasking? I can't do two things at once. I can't even do one thing at once." ~ Helena Bonham Carter

Step into leading and play a Bigger Game in your life...don't wait...model leadership...the World needs us to do this.

Lead strong!

Pat

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• Time for a Tech Sabbath? Dan Rollman recently noticed a disturbing trend in his social interactions. "I was starting to get more birthday wishes on my Facebook Wall than phone calls and handwritten cards from family and friends." This inspired him to create the Sabbath Manifesto.

• Some great suggestions on how to stay focused at work. C'mon, you know you could use one or two...

• Dave Crenshaw on The Myth

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Recommended Reads with links to Amazon.com

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