I, Multitasker
I’m a multitasker. And as science points out, I’m horrible at it. Yet, I can’t help it.
By multitasking I mean two different things simultaneously which I won’t distinguish between when using the term. But those two things are different: working on more than one project within a long time frame. Like working on a video that I’m editing and on a poster illustration during the course of a month.
Then there’s the multitasking that is when I quickly switch between tasks within a short time frame. Like when I read emails. Then open up photoshop and start drawing, then go back to answer emails, then look at social media, then go back to painting, then I look up prices for a new headphone, then I finish off writing the email, then I open up word and start writing a blog post. Phew. That was hard.
But both of these have the same benefits and disadvantages.
Benefit: more than one thing that needs to get done is getting done. Like honestly all the things I’m doing are necessary. I do need to write that email. I do have to work on the art. I do have to relax. I do need to write a blog post.
In the same way I can’t just be working on one project at one time. Otherwise I won’t be making enough money. I need to work on the video, and I need to work on the poster. And since I rely on feedback, there are times when I can’t work on one or the other. Sometimes the project is my own art too, and within my own art I’ll work on 2 to 3 pieces at the same time, to keep it going. While one is resting, sinking into me, I can work on the other one.
Disadvantage: I’m going crazy and not delivering the best I can. And right now, it feels like the disadvantage is a little bit too much.
So. Stop it. I tell you, because I know you also do it. And I’ll tell myself that too as well. But, ok. Maybe we can’t fully stop. But I do think we can stop for 10 minutes everyday and not multi-task. Focus on one thing – your body, your breath.
How are you feeling? How does your legs feel?
Your hands? Shoulders?
The muscles on your face? On your feet?
Feel your body.
Breathe.
I actually wrote this at the end of summer, and just edited now. But this week it felt very valid and I decided to share. Enjoy. Also, I have an episode from Orange Unicorn that relates to this.
Check Orange Unicorn’s last update.
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