The Problem with Multitasking . . .

Introductions and Announcements, Reading and Writing FUNdamentals

. . . is . . . you can’t do any one thing justice when your attention is divided among multiple tasks. It’s just impossible . . . for me, anyway. I can’t do it well. For example, I’ve tried driving or doing mundane chores around the house while listening to educational materials on audio. Multitasking. And do you know what happens when I try this productivity method to get more done in less time?

Well, I end up half-listening, half-internalizing the material I’m trying to absorb because my mind still has to focus on what I’m doing with the driving and the chores, to an extent. I take in some of the educational knowledge I’m listening to, but my complete attention is not on the educational knowledge only. It’s shared with the other task(s) at hand.

And, why would I think that, being ONE person, I can do multiple things at the exact same time — like I have multiple brains to focus on multiple tasks and do them all exceptionally well simultaneously? Actually, I’ve answered that very question over time, because I simply CAN’T. I CAN’T do it ALL!

Or, let’s say that the more common scenario of multitasking involves switching off on tasks, so as to leave the one task to focus on another within the same day or week, even. To an extent, we do this ALL OF THE TIME. Everyday. But, it really messes with our work flow when we’re in the zone with one activity and then we have to stop that flow and, hopefully, jive with another activity that needs priority rights for a moment or two.

Well, such is life. There are so many activities that we must engage in each and every day. And, each one needs its time and space. So, here’s what I propose to me, myself, and I, for the time being. And, I want you to take notes here, so you can use this methodology for simplification of tasks when you need it.

You’re only one person. So, schedule time in your week to focus on the tasks that matter the most each day. I know. I know. It’s not rocket science. Most people have heard this advice many times over. So then, why aren’t we doing more of it? I mean . . . prioritizing your to-dos requires you to put non-essential tasks on the backburner (for later, not for never). Then, you can revisit them when you have the sole manpower to pull them up to the top of your to-do list and work through them.

And, here’s how I plan on personally putting the above methodology for simplification into practical application —

Tomorrow, September 18th, I will have my first few students start up with me for tutoring services, and I need all of my sole womanpower to focus its direction toward the kiddos who will look to me to assist them in their reading journeys. A dream come true for me, I must say. I’m incredibly excited and nervous about this opportunity, for “with great power comes great responsibility.” And as you know, this is not my saying; but it rings so true to my personal experiences right now, so I’m inserting it here for literary effect. Hee. Hee.

In other words, I know that this opportunity to affect children in a most positive way, teaching them and guiding them in building skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives, is a great calling. And, it requires a lot of time, attention, focus, patience, and competency on my part to make sure I do this teaching children to read thingy the justice it deserves.

So, I know I haven’t been around much lately. And without making excuses, I’m just going to say that I’ve needed that time (and then some) to pivot and reset priorities in this whole reading and writing advocacy space I’m in. For the rest of the school year, creating an enjoyable reading journey for my students will be my number one priority. Mainly, because early readers need someone who’s committed to their educational growth and success. And, that’s going to be my ultimate goal as an educator this school year.

However, please don’t think I’m leaving this creative space and my educational calling here. I plan on being around the blogosphere for a very long time. However, I just need a bit of a break to simplify things and break out of the multitasking mold for a bit. It’s just not going to serve me well in the particular creative space I’m in.

I need to give my all to tutoring my students until I get good and know what I’m doing. Because remember, I’m just three weeks into my certification/training. I’m a newbie tutor educator, and I need grace and space to grow with my students. So, just know that I’ll be a little quiet on this front, at least through the rest of this month and, more than likely, through the majority of the next. But, it’s quite possible I’ll be checking in with you from time to time to say a brief “howdy,” because I can’t stay away for very long.

After all, this is my online home; and there’s no place like home. Furthermore, you’re always welcomed to stop by. I have an “open door” policy, even when I may not be around. Just come on in and make yourself at home. In fact, there’s SOOOOOO much content on this blog to keep you company. Stuff you probably haven’t had a chance to read yet. So, this would be a great time to pull up some older Degrees of Maternity blog posts, acquainting you with my creative/educational adventures before tutoring.

So, I’ll sign out for now, but I’ll be back with some thoughts about reading education as well as writing therapy. Ahhhhhhh. I’m getting to spend time with my two loves once again. Oh, happy day!

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17 thoughts on “The Problem with Multitasking . . .”

  2. Aaaa… Your words made my day 😊 I’m thrilled to hear that my post resonated with you and that you found it helpful. Taking the leap into the single-tasking mentality is indeed a process, but you’ve already kicked it off … awesomee! Embracing those productive ways is like unlocking a new level of efficiency.

    Keep rocking that positive mindset (I envy those who can) and feel free to drop by for more inspo anytime!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Your ramblings were not ramblings at all. Instead, you put up a truly high quality and most helpful article. Just read “The Dark Side of Multitasking” and I loved it! Totally made all the sense in the world. Now, I just have to get to the implementation phase of doing what the article says, as far as having the single-tasking mentality and actions to match. I’ve started though. It’ll be a process of undoing the old/counterproductive ways to take on the productive ones, but it’s a process worth embracing. I truly believe it will pay huge dividends to its user. (After all, the proof is already revealed in the facts — some of which you’ve laid out in your article.) Thanks for the wonderful read and I also enjoyed Jason Fitzpatrick’s article as well. I’ll keep reading both articles as reminders and as inspiration.

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  5. Thank you for saying that. I aim to be sweet. One of my goals in life: to try to balance out all the un-sweetness out here. Hee. Hee. Oh, by the way, I see that you’ve posted your article on multitasking. I’ll be checking it out, because I can always use help with productivity and figuring out how to tackle all these priorities I’ve got going on.

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  7. First of all, thank you so much for checking out this post and others in “The Goal Mindset” series. I really appreciate it. The older I get, the more I find that, focusing in on one to three tasks/projects, is a MUST-DO for me. I have so many ideas that run through my mind at any one time, and it makes it hard to lock in and keep the goal-oriented attention in the right direction. So, I’m all for you writing more about the “multitasking” concept. And secondly, I checked out your blog and I see you have some high-hitting subject matter, especially about self-sabotage, that I’ll have to check out. Thanks again for visiting my little nook of the blogosphere, Have a most blessed weekend and week-to-come:)

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  8. Multitasking can be challenging and sometimes counterproductive, especially when we have to juggle multiple creative or educational activities. I’ve been wanting to write about this… to explore the cognitive science behind multitasking.

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  10. Hey there Mthobisi – I pray you’re doing well, my friend. It’s so great hearing from you. And yes, multitasking is definitely not for everyone. I’m all about simplifying things, as you know. So, I’ll stick with trying to do one thing at a time, and switching between tasks as certain ones take priority over others. I think I get more accomplished that way and with better results. And, I appreciate your well wishes, regarding my tutoring journey. I’m truly excited and praying that I assist these children in building their skills as readers as well as enjoy the activity of reading altogether. Have a great week.

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  11. Wow, amazing and a bit thought provoking blog post Jana Williams. Firstly, multitasking is not an easy skill and not everyone is built for that, some cannot do a lot of tasks in a short space of time.

    Secondly, life gets in the way so it is better to schedule your blog posts. I am happy to say, I have schedule my posts for October 2023 and it helps because some days writing becomes a chore.

    Lastly, I am very humbled to see that you want the kids to succeed in life and all the best with the teaching and tutoring. These kids especially those born in this 20th century are the future💯🙏

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  12. Phil – you just made my day. I’m serious. I’ve been missing all of my wonderful friends here. And, you’re one of those special people I look forward to hearing from. I apologize for not being as fully present as I’ve wanted to be recently. But, you can see why. Yes, I’m needing to put as much of my focus into these kids right now. I’ve always enjoyed working with children in different areas of life, but I feel so much of a responsibility in making sure I do my very best to assist my tutees in having a great start to their reading experiences. So, I’m studying like a school kid and preparing to deliver my lessons for each week day and each individual student I have. It’s definitely no small undertaking. And, it’s so cool to get encouragement from a teacher (you) who knows what I must be going through right now, as a newbie. But, I’m totally excited! And, I’m definitely not trying the multitasking thing right now while I’ve got this new journey going on. I’m going to work on getting comfortable and competent at what I have before me before jumping on anything else. And, I love what your wife said about the whole women and multitasking thing. She just might have something there. I do think women, in general, have more of a knack in juggling responsibilities than men do. I think God created us this way. And you men do your thing too, where you shine. In other words, men and women, I think, are made to complement each other. We work as a team. But while I do juggle a lot in the personal realm and do quite well when times call for it, I don’t do so well at the juggling when it comes to the creative side of things. I have to take in one thing at a time and give it some momentum. So, I’ll be taking a break here for a bit, but I’ll be back. Hey, and don’t forget to let me know how your book is going. Inquiring minds want to know. Hee. Hee. Take care, Phil.

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  13. Jana,
    You just knew that I could not let this post go by without making any comments – didn’t you?
    As you well know, I went through the “teaching young children to read” thing some twelve years or so ago, and I can fully understand where you are coming from. Best of luck, and stay with it – it is indeed rewarding.
    As for multitasking, I am no good at it either and never have been. My wife reckons that far more females have this skill than males. She thinks it has something to do with the historical (over tens of thousands of years) fact that females generally look after children and that multitasking is a skill that is handy when dealing with several children at once. Evolution, they call it. Could be? I don’t know.
    Anyway, whatever you do, do it well, and no one can complain. Do one thing properly at a time, I have always said.
    All the best with your educational endeavours.
    Regards, Phil

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  16. Oh, how I appreciate your words. I do believe some folks have the knack when it comes to this productivity hack, but I’ve just never been able to master multitasking. And, I appreciate you sharing how having that high-level proficiency at something can change over time. I tend to think that as we get older, we’re not meant to juggle as much as when we were younger. It’s one of the benefits of aging. Have a most blessed day and thanks for your thoughtful comment.

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