Multi-tasking and the art of doing one thing at a time

In my ever growing list of personal self-improvement wishes, one of the top items that I am actively working on is eliminating multi-tasking and focusing on one thing at a time.

This almost always has to do with me trying to do something personally while also balancing work. I had a recent frustration yesterday morning. With Colin home from daycare and Sophia and I having to alternate childcare and working, I tried to get a quick workout in the morning before work began.

Working out is usually a great escape for me to be present and take a break from the realities of life for a bit. I love the break and the subsequent endorphin rush that comes from it. But I decided to effectively nuke the mental clarity from my workout by letting work seep up and ruin my workout.

I had planned to get a quick and efficient 45 minute workout in, and be at my desk by the top of the hour. Instead I spent over an hour doing a half-assed workout and half-assing my work with no major productivity gains but additional stress. It was the worst way to start my day.

Unfortunately, I do things like this way too often at this point from trying to work while getting ready in the mornings to trying to work while feeding or playing with Colin. It’s a terrible habit and I need to be better for my own sanity and happiness.