Multi-tasking is a prized quality in the corporate world. To refer to oneself as a multi-tasker on a resume will make a greater impression than saying, “…able to doggedly pursue and complete one project at a time to the exclusion of all else.” A multi-tasker not only can get the job done, but can get several jobs done at once and with a “quick turn-around.”
I’m not a multi-tasker, and I would never make it in the corporate world. I try to accomplish as much as I can in a day, often with several things going on at once. But I try to stick to one thing at a time. Some days are more productive than others. And some days are busier than others. I can’t do everything I’d like to do, such as contribute to this blog as well as follow and comment on others. When there is much to do, something has to give. Which explains why I’ve been away so long.
I admire those bloggers who steadfastly post quality writing and other things of interest. I admire their discipline and envy their apparent effortlessness. Sometimes it takes me an hour to write one paragraph, I fuss over the words so. And knowing how long it will likely take me to write anything, I’m not likely to start anything unless I’m compelled to.
Today I feel compelled to reenter the blog realm. Maybe just for a quick look around, and maybe for an extended visit.
2 Comments
Hi Paul,
I think whether multi-tasking is a positive or negative means of action is dependent on the type of activities one is trying to do simultaneously. If the tasks are viewed as labor or drudgery, I agree, it’s probably best to do them one at a time, get each one done and finished before moving on to the other. However, if the tasks are viewed as requiring creative thought and application; I find that oftentimes leaving one and jumping to another can be beneficial to the project left behind and vice-versa; they lend support to one another somehow. The trick, I think, is in coming to tasks, all tasks, from a creative perspective…then, I think, one can be more successful at doing several things at one time with quality and satisfaction. Just some thoughts. John
Hi John,
Thanks for dropping by.
I agree with you all the way. One has all manner of things to do – those that are necessary and those that are less so. I’ve always had a difficulty (that may not be the right word) differentiating between “work” and “play.” To me, it’s all work. I don’t mean that in a negative way, either. I could just as easily say it’s all play. Neither description quite fits. Whatever the task, it’s what I do.
What does fit, however, is that I usually enjoy most of what I do. I don’t have a single job or employer to answer to. I’m independent insofar as I can choose what I do and when during much of the week.
Also, I see much of what I do as creative. On the other hand, I would describe myself as one who has a low energy level. So when there are many things to do I must choose carefully which of those things to apply energy to (often I don’t choose so carefully). Blogging, which is definitely more of a want-to-do rather than a need-to-do goes to the end of the list because of the time it takes.
Thanks again for your comment. I appreciate it.
Paul