One at a Time

I read an article about multitasking which said that if you think you can do more than one thing a time you are delusional. I tend to agree. Even computers are only capable of alternating activities so quickly that it appears they are doing two different things at the same time. People can’t effectively do that. Another study on the subject of multitasking asked some people who felt they were the exceptions to the rule to participate in a study. What was interesting was the people who were most confident of effective multitasking were proven to be the worst.

There really isn't anything wrong with doing one thing at a time. Do you really think you can talk on the phone, read a book and answer your email at the same time effectively? I even know some people who try to do all of that and add a conversation in with it. Not so good. What they do is irritate anyone attempting to communicate with them equally. Many of those people will even assist you in finishing your sentences and will know what you mean before you even get to the point.

Not a lot in the world has changed that much over the last two or three hundred years when it comes to understanding or giving instructions. There is one source for information and one receptor of information. It takes some time to process the information and some more time to apply the information.

I know, you think you are different and maybe you are, but I doubt it. If you are sitting down for dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak house and about to cut into a piece of Kobe beef that should be the only thing on your mind. When you put the beef in your mouth experiencing the texture, aroma and taste should occur one at a time and blend into a total experience as you bite into the meat. If you cannot do that you are wasting your money. Have a Big Mac and be done with it.

The great things in life take all of your attention just for a while. If you do not understand that it’s perfectly OK. I’m not talking to you anyway. But, I will offer this well used phrase that I used with my children when they told me a task was too overwhelming to do. I would ask them how they would eat an elephant. You know the answer, "One bite at a time."

Happy New Year!

Herb Ratliff, December 31, 2012, All Rights Reserved