I’ve been reading your book, 21 Day to a More Disciplined Life, and am loving it! It’s full of great advice for anyone looking to make more of their time. As I’m reading Day 12 I wondered if you had any thoughts about 100% focus vs. multi-tasking.
This chapter focuses on 100% focus, without distractions and I can see how distractions can be death to a goal. On the other hand, as a busy mom, I find that multi-tasking is important and even necessary at times. Do you have any thoughts as to when to multi-task and when to focus? -Rebecca
Great question! I’m a big believer in focused intensity when it comes to comes to many projects.
In fact, I was participating in the BEECH Retreat weekly Thursday night Twitter chat last week when the question came up: “Have you ever sat down to write a blog post & got distracted by social media or email?”
My response? Yes. However, I usually make myself shut down distractions while blogging — otherwise I’ll never get posts written!
If you want to get anything worthwhile done in life, you’ve got to have FOCUS. And I like to take that one step further and make it focused intensity.
What Is Focused Intensity?
Focused Intensity is zeroing in on one specific project and giving it your entire concentration and energy for a determined length of time. I like to set a time limit on it and then challenge myself to see how much I can get done in that timeframe.
For instance, if I’m working on writing a blog post, an article, or a chapter in my next book, I’ll usually shut everything down on my computer, shut my office door, set the timer for 10 or 15 minutes, and work as hard as I can until the timer goes off.
When I work with this kind of focused intensity, I can get a lot done in a short amount of time. Whereas, if I’m all scattered all over the place — trying to write a post while checking and answering emails, keeping up with what’s going on on my Facebook Page, and refreshing my comments page, it will take me a very long time to get any writing done — and I probably won’t do a great job of it.
When Should You Work With Focused Intensity?
Everyone is different, but I’ve found that I cannot write well when there are a dozen distractions going on at once. I also find that I’m not able to think and process ideas and post outlines well if I’m constantly interrupted.
I’ve found it typically takes me three to five times longer to finish a post or writing project when I’m constantly interrupted than it does when I can work with focused intensity. So writing is one area where I always choose times of day when I know I can work with minimal interruptions (during the early morning hours, during afternoon quiet times, or on Saturdays.).
Are There Times When It’s Good to Multi-Task?
There are many, many other things I do that don’t require that same level of focus that writing does. And I’m all about multi-tasking if the end result means greater productivity.
I read while I do my walking warm-up and cool-down on the treadmill. I knit while I’m watching a movie with the family. I scrub my kitchen floor while I talk on the phone. Or, I put bread in the bread machine to mix while I’m chatting with a friend who is over.
There’s no point in just doing one thing, when you can as easily do two things well. I intentionally plan ahead for these opportunities — often even writing them on my daily to-do list. If I know I’m going to be heading to an appointment, I’ll make a note to bring a certain book or writing project, depending upon the appointment. If I know that we’re going to be having a family movie night or I’m having a friend over, I’ll make a note to make sure and get out my knitting or other handwork project.
By planning ahead like this, I’m able to use the time more productively, and in turn, I’m able to chip away at my weekly goal list — all while multi-tasking. So before I know it, projects are getting done without me putting a whole lot of extra effort into them.
That said, make sure when you are multi-tasking that you are actually being more productive. Sometimes, in trying to multi-task, you end up getting less done and just making a mess of multiple things.
What about the rest of you? Do you find that there are certain things you have to focus on without interruption to be productive? What are your favorite ways to multi-task that truly work?
If I have to think, I cannot multi-task. For instance, if I am balancing the checkbook, writing a post or reading a book, I tend to only be about to do that. Heck, sometimes I can’t even talk on the phone and drive (hands free of course-talking not driving, lol).
But like you mentioned about, I can easily do laundry and talk on the phone. Or make breakfast and fold laundry.
~Allie
I think both multi-tasking and intensity focus are skills which need to be developed for them to be utilized with maximum benefit. In my previous work role, I was constantly multi-tasking and I find myself doing so still much of my day, even though I am retired and have no such demands. Although my time is my own, I find attempting to focus my attention on one task is sometimes difficult. My mind seems to run in million different directions and I find my concentration diminishes within a short period time. I feel I do best when I place a time constrant on a task when I need to utilize my intensity focus skills.
Great post, and great comments.
I don’t think doing anything while watching TV is really “multitasking.”
My mom is one who can’t stand to sit still and watch TV. She always has to be doing something else while sitting on the couch with the TV on, like needlework or playing a game on the computer. Which is fine … not a big deal … I too do other things in front of the TV. But it’s not truly “multi-tasking.” It’s doing needlework or playing a game or whatnot with the TV as background noise.
Later on, after “watching” the news for example, she can’t tell you what the weather forecast is. I’m the same way … unless I look away from whatever else I am doing, I don’t recall much of anything I “watched” on TV when my mind was focused elsewhere.
As for reading or whatnot while waiting for an appointment, I don’t consider that “multitasking” either. It’s just filling in idle time with something you want to do, and keeping yourself from being bored.
When I really need to get something done that requires brain power, I’m most productive with a focused intensity, although dedicating a chunk of time to one specific thing can be quite challenging with all the constant interruptions out of our control.
I am a mom who works outside the home. I find I multi-task a lot at work because I have to. People interrupt all the time because they need something done. I know I am not as productive that way, but I don’t really have a choice, that’s just the nature of the job. When I pick my toddler up from day care at 4 pm, I am completely focused on him until he goes to bed at 7! I do NOT multitask during that time, because those three hours are so important to both him and I, and all my attention goes to having fun with my boy! Money Saving Mom has done me wonders with meal planning, freezer cooking, crock pot recipes, and preparing meals ahead of time so that I CAN have that precious, focused time with my son! Thank you!!!
While I’m not sure if reading or writing at an appointment’s waiting room counts as true multitasking, knitting while watching television is a great example of how your brain compartmentalizes. For instance, it’s very difficult to do two things that require the same action at the same time (texting while driving, talking on the phone while listening to music, etc.) If you do two different things, then you can multitask. Listening to music while driving, talking on the phone while exercising, etc.
If the job requires thought I need focus. If the job requires physical action I can multitask.
But sometimes I just need to veg out. I guess I’m not as much of an A person as I would like to be. I’m probably more like an AB person. For example, during that one hour I allow myself to watch TV each day before going to bed, I have little energy left (I have been up 15-16 hours by this time), and I just want to watch the show and do nothing else.
Someone suggested I file my coupons during that time, and I could. Coupon filing isn’t terribly intellectual, but by that time, I don’t even have energy for that. I might read during this time, if I’m not into the show and am just letting my husband watch what he wants. But if I’m into the show, then I want to focus on it. With that said, there aren’t many shows I’m that into. But the ones I am into, I’m really into.
In a recent couples Bible study, we learned that this is a key difference in men and women. While I didn’t totally understand it at first, it has since made me really appreciate my husband (and men in general). Men are very task-oriented and focused, and the quality of their work is usually quite excellent because of it.
For example: doing dishes. I do the dishes in about half the time that it takes my husband. But guess what, when I’m drying, I usually find two or three that need to be washed again (whoops!). It’s because while I’m doing the dishes, I’ve also got my eye on the tea pot that’s being heated on the stove, I’m helping kids with homeworking, and I’m having a conversation with my husband. My husband, on the other hand, takes fooorrreevveeerrrr to do the dishes, and that is the only thing that he’s doing, but you will never find a dish that needs to be rewashed!
So, yes, being focused does yield a more quality outcome. But multi-tasking does have its benefits, too, ladies! As you all know, some things just simply wouldn’t get done if it weren’t for multi-tasking. I think it’s great that God created us with these different ways of working, because I find that both are necessary for the home.
Maybe that’s why my hubby isn’t able to do anything else when he’s watching our son. Just last night we had this conversation, and I said something like “You have to figure out how to do something while you’re watching him or you’ll never get anything done.” He was like, “Yeah, I know, but I can’t!” I was right–nothing would get done if I didn’t figure out how to watch him and do housework at the same time, but he was right too–he has a hard time doing that. So I guess the answer is this: it’s a good thing he doesn’t have to do housework and keep track of the little cutie! 🙂 Thanks for mentioning this difference 🙂
I’ve heard of this dichotomy before – I wish there were some science to back it up, or for it to go away. Either one would be fine, but without the science it sounds like an old wives’ tale.
I like to think that the science of observation and deduction is rather accurate. But, you’re right, I’m not a scientist. If you’re really wanting an expert opinion, then I suggest reading and studying the subject. A good place to start: “The Essential Difference: Male And Female Brains And The Truth About Autism” By Simon Baron-Cohen, PhD.
I agree there are things that require my 100% full focus to be most productive, like writing and then other things that I can multi task like reading a book on my netbook while knitting a simple dishcloth pattern . The trick is learning what you can and what you can’t multi task and then finding windows of time in your day where you can give tasks your 100% attention and use them for those things that require 100% focus.
There are definitely times when you can multi-task: This usually applies to non-brain-intensive tasks. If your brain is going to operate at 100% for you to get a job done then multi-tasking is NOT an option.
I thought I was the only who’d found out that a timer could help you do a lot more in less time. Yes, I can waste an hour writing an article. However, once I set the timer to 20 minutes, I usually surprise myself with the length and quality of what I turn out.
As a busy mom (isn’t that an oxymoron??) of 7 homeschooled kids, I was a pro at multi-tasking. After a head-injury this summer, the neurologist told me that years of multi-tasking were making it harder for my brain to recover–that it had been misused for many years. Interestingly, for the first month or two after the injury it was impossible to multi-task even for things as simple as talking on the phone–talk on the phone or pace the room, not both! As a mom, it’s impossible NOT to multi-task, but we can focus more, especially on relationships which are really are greatest “to-do” each day.
Very wise perspective! Thanks for sharing!
Sorry–“our” greatest “to-do” each day.
Awesome post that I needed today. Thanks. Last night I was **trying** to put in an hour of writing after work, and my husband called me literally about 20 times while he was getting groceries to ask questions. I tried to be patient and just remember how grateful I was that he was getting the groceries, period. I still was able to get some stuff done, but it was hard and I was frustrated (but again, I did at least try to keep that to myself). Reading your article, I’m realizing that checking Facebook/email while I’m writing has about the same effect on my productivity as my 20 phone calls did last night. I need to work on this. Thanks!!
I don’t think it’s really multi-tasking when you are taking care of small children. It’s called “One Thousand Interruptions”!
I learned a good way of thinking about multi-tasking in Frugal Girl’s blog: http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2011/01/productivity-frugal-girl-style-3-ways-to-be-efficient/ She refers to book “The Other 8 Hours” which differentiates between “head tasks” and “body tasks”. Two head tasks cannot be done concurrently (successfully) but a head task and a body task can be combined. So true!
Ok, this is funny. I read Crystal’s post and thought, “I should say something about head tasks and body tasks.” and I see you beat me to it! 😉
Interestingly enough, I read The Other 8 Hours on Crystal’s recommendation, I think.
I love that head and body tasks concept… and I completely forgot about it! So I’m so glad someone chimed in about it!
Thank you so much for this reference! I wanted to reply in agreeement with a comment above that talked about people who talk on the phone or text in the middle of a face-to-face conversation. I also am put off by this, however I don’t mind how conversations naturally ebb and flow while working on a manual project with someone (painting, gardening, cooking, etc..). You’ve just helped me to understand the difference (head vs. body) so that I’ll be able to better articulate it to others. Thank you!
I have the same idea but express it differently: I can use my brain for one thing while my body does something else. So I can knit and talk (unless the knitting is very complicated), listen to TV while doing dishes, math while running, fold laundry while planning a party. These tasks use different body parts.
I cannot read email and listen to a friend, develop a recipe while listen to the news, or mow the lawn while dusting. These tasks use the same body part.
I knit while I watch TV, and I sometimes watch TV while I’m playing video games. That counts as multitasking, right? :]
Well, all I can say is if you can multi-task well when you are young, enjoy it!! Once you hit menopause, it just does not work anymore!! Really annoying, everything gets mixed up!!
I can’t think of anything that I do that I do so completely focused. Even my job at work requires me to be able to jump from one task to another and from projects 6 months ago to ones 3 weeks ago and then to ones 5 yrs ago and back to 6 months (*starts pulling hair*). You get my point.
If I wasn’t helping with homework while cooking dinner while trying to pick up the kitchen and getting laundry going I doubt we would have anything clean to eat on or wear! 🙂
If I can ever find a time to focus I’ll let you know.
Crystal — just make sure that friend doesn’t mind you multi-tasking when she’s over! I am the type to be somewhat annoyed if someone invites me over, and then doesn’t have time to stop and “smell the roses” with me. I guess I’m more of a “heart-to-heart” gal when I’m with my friends. But to each his own! (Just wanted to present the other side…) 🙂
I think it definitely depends on the friend… I have some friends I would never think to do that, and others that it would be no problem, as they would do the same!
Usually I’m making food to feed to whoever is over so I’ve never had anyone mind. 😉 However, it’s really important to me to sit down and have heart-to-heart time with people when they come over, too, so I try and always make sure there’s time for that after we’ve all eaten and the kids are playing. Because I’m just like you in loving those heart-to-heart talks!
One more thing: I also think it depends upon the friend and the situation. If someone was coming over to talk about some really traumatic situation they were dealing with, it might be really rude for me to be chatting while working in the kitchen. But if it’s a good friend who is just over for a fun visit and I’m feeding them lunch, no one seems to mind that I’m working on getting lunch prepared while chatting… and they often pitch in, too!
That sounds like good balance. I have a friend who is always, and I mean ALWAYS doing something while we are together. We are 2 in a group of 5 close friends that are scattered across the US and when we were together for a few rare hours last year, this friend was doing digital scrap-booking the entire time. Another time we traveled together for about 5 hours and during the entire trip, she was doing something, including studying an English lesson she needed to teach. And we were talking the entire time. Finally it felt so rude! There is something about being able to stop DOING and just share in friendship that is refershing.
My children are 3 1/2, 2 1/2 and 1 with our fourth due in 5 weeks, so focusing on one task at a time is rather unheard of for me! We have family who live close by, and honestly I find it hard not to work on something that needs doing whenever they drop by because it’s a few moments when my kids are occupied by someone else. I realized recently that perhaps I need to focus more on being with family when they are around and be willing to let some things fall behind for the sake of fellowship. I also have a friend with little ones and when we get together we are constantly working, moving around, playing with little ones while we talk because we’re both in the same season and we both understand being productive while we fellowship. I definitely need to adjust my productivity expectations depending on who I’m visiting with.
On multi-tasking, I always try to fit housework in and around everything else we have going on but I’m finding that leaves me frustrated and irritated with my kids for interrupting me. I’m beginning to think that scheduling all my housework for one day of the week would be more efficient and make me a more peaceful mama. That way I could really focus on it and remember to actively include my children so they enjoy it and don’t feel mom is too busy for them.
Some things make sense to multitask on. Cooking and just about anything else, for example. Waiting for appointments and clipping coupons or catching up on reading. Planning is key. Just having something with you to do while something else is going on makes all the difference. Taught the kids the art of folding laundry while watching TV. It takes longer for them to do it, but it is not something I have to do, they do it and they get their tv time, and it is done. Wins all around.
I’m all about focusing on what needs my attention and multitasking when I can. I get more done than when I multitask all the time. I think I’ve read a study proving that multitasking isn’t as effective as many think it is.
I totally agree! I multitask ALL the time! I’ve been using your tip to keep only one tab open when writing so I don’t get distracted. It is definitely helping to keep my focus! 🙂
I never forgot what this woman said (link below) on multi-tasking. She said that it takes the brain 8 times longer to process work during multi-tasking rather as opposed to focusing on one job/project at a time. However, I can relate to the readers question b/c I have two little ones as well. You gave good examples of how multi-tasking CAN work but planning ahead as much as possible is key. The rest of the time I am multi-tasking because I have to because making dinner, watching a movie, taking a shower, without an interruption is very rare.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-Inside-Second-Edition/dp/0805075909
I don’t leave a room unless I’m taking something with me to put away! I even cook and clean my kitchen while my son does a reading lesson with me! I always seem to be multitasking without even realizing it. But when it comes to writing especially for my blog, I always end up with great unfinished drafts thanks to my kiddos! I can’t process thoughts creatively while they are around maybe… I completely relate!
If I so much as sit down at the computer, my little one will find me and literally pull me away from it. My screen time has to be while he is occupied with another activity. Meanwhile, housework, teaching, and playing can most certainly be done as multi-tasking!
Lots of thoughts..Mama’s of babies and toddles can never totally focus as they are always at least listening for the little ones. As they get older, it is easier to focus, as kids can care for themselves. Important and urgent task require more foucs, while routine or mundane tasks can be less focussed. As a Mama, I guess that I just expect my day to be interupted, and try not to get too frustrated or flustered. When my kids need me, I want to help them. Depending on the urgency, I will drop what I have planned and help them. That is my job, and I would not trade it for the world.
I used to think that I could clean my house faster if I multi-tasked. I was wrong. While the washer can be running as I sweep the floors, everything else seems to go much quicker if I stay focused on one task as a time. In fact, I learned that lesson from the FlyLady and started implementing her plan again this year.
However, when I am at work, multi-tasking isn’t an option. It is a necessity! Telephones ringing, appointments to be made, emails to be answered and people standing at your desk needing something all at the same time it seems.
Reading books, cutting coupons, making grocery lists are just a few of the things that I can incorporate into other areas like listening to a sermon on-line, talking to a friend on the phone, riding in the car on the way to visit family.
My husband often complains about me multitasking. He usually tells me the quality of my work is poor when I do it. He said he’d rather do one thing that will bring superb quality, then 10 things that brings mediocrity. I’m still learning in this area!
I certainly don’t need to watch the bread rise in the bowl – I can use that time to vacuum or call my mom. That said, I need to pay attention when I’m measuring the bread ingredients – did I get everything? Did I measure the right amount? So I don’t call Mama until I’ve got the bread in the bowl to rise and I’ve found the feather duster. I think there are many household tasks that become routine enough that we can be doing something else at the same time, but there may be parts of any given task that require focus.
We use a virtual school program to homeschool, and I’ve found that my daughter feels more accomplished if I give her an assignment and then ‘go away’. So that away time is when I can crochet, empty the dishwasher, dust or something – not talk on the phone, because I want to be available if she has a question or needs help – but there are quite a few little things I can get done while I’m also coaching her.
It is NOT cool to multitask during a face to face conversation in a lot of cases. Specifically, I don’t like it when I’m talking with someone face to face and they are texting or checking messages, or even talking on their phone! So I won’t do that. But I’ve had some lovely conversations with friends and family while weeding the garden, snapping beans or folding laundry. 🙂