This post did not transfer during my 2018 blog migration. Original post and comments are here.
Lately, I feel so exhausted sitting at my computer all day, working. I know, total first world problem. But it’s true. So much screen time is making me tired. And making it hard for me to focus because I am forever trying to multitask when I am on the computer, even though I am NOT a good multitasker (and don’t even pretend to think I am a supertasker).
I starting thinking about this because I saw this blurb in Men’s Health (some tip from a Nutritionist… that is not about nutrition, weird) and I loved that they called multitasking what it really is – rapid task switching.
There is something strangely exhilarating about rapid task switching – I am switching between gchatting, texting, emailing and reviewing documents. Maybe someone will call in between! A ton of programs are open on my computer. It’s a rush, to be doing so many things back and forth. Time goes by quickly. But… it’s probably even more rewarding when something gets my full attention. When I reach that elusive flow state. When I really dive in to something. And yeah, give it the full attention it deserves.
It must be some strange compulsion to feel like I constantly need to be engaged. Even on a phone call, I find myself wanting to check Facebook, read an email, whatever. And like, I said, I am NOT a multitasker! My only successful multitasking is eating while running, and talking to a passenger while driving. But my brain just can’t think of two different topics, simultaneously.
And I wonder if this is why I AVOID concentration tasks. I am just not good at it. I am constantly looking for a distraction. I have really been enjoying taking the time to read novels lately… and now that I type this, I remember that Steven was teasing me the other day for texting and reading at the same time. Ha ha.
I am not going to pretend that I am going to change any time soon. I like feeling engaged. And being a mostly virtual employee means I have lots of interruptions (ha, being any kind of employee means that). But I would like to practice focusing on tasks better. I think it would make me dread focus time less, it I could build some confidence in that area. Hey, at least I am off to good start with trying to make texting less distracting!
Who else is guilty of “rapid task switching”?
This post did not transfer during my 2018 blog migration. Original post and comments are here.
