WPT#3: Stop Multitasking, It Doesn’t Work! (VIDEO)

Productivity Advice

The Weekly Pep Talk is a video podcast series designed to help you find more time for scrapbooking and use it well. Learn more in our free guide.

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In this week’s episode, I’ll give you an example of something you should not be doing and what to do instead. I promise, it will help your scrapbooking! Simple Scrapper subscribers may need to visit the website to view the video.

Your Weekly Pep Talk

It’s your turn to talk! Do you agree or disagree? Does multitasking work for you?

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9 Comments

  1. Francine Seal

    Basically I agree that multi-tasking is a time waster. I found when I was gainfully employeed that if i was interrupted in doing one thing (like writing an email explaining how to do something specific in the work control software we used) and had to answer a question or look something up for them, it took me about 5 minutes to get back to what I had been doing and if I hadn’t saved the email, sometimes I had to re-do the whole thing. Lots of time wasted. But I also know that trying to remember those odd thoughts that pop up interferes with productivity as well. So my suggestion is one pad of paper that is used specifically to write down that errant thought (google adhesives, research payroll for boss, plan layout for picture of daughter in mud, etc.) When you write it down, you’re telling your troika (Troika (driving), a sled or carriage drawn by three horses harnessed side-by-side, iconic symbol of Russia.) mind that you will get to it later and not forget about it. Your mind can then focus on what you’re doing now. Now, just as an aside, is it considered multitasking when you get the crockpot going with dinner in it and then go work on a layout? You’re doing two things at once, you’re preparing dinner and you’re making a layout, possibly with paper-and-glue.

    Reply
    • Jennifer S. Wilson

      Well maybe that’s a caveat Francine, which is exactly what I hoped readers might offer. I do think it is different though, because you’re starting the crockpot (and doing just that) before turning your attention to the scrapbooking. I see switching tasks because it makes sense – and maximizing use of idle time – as different from multitasking. I see the latter more in the vein of starting to work on one thing and picking up something else before you’ve made it to a natural rest point. I see the most risk of this on the computer, but it also happens to be in the kitchen (starting dinner, decide to do up some dishes, forget I’m preheating the oven) as well as at my scrap table (start working on a layout, decide to start organizing some paper, feel pressed for time and go back to the layout, have to stop and then the layout isn’t finished nor is my paper organization effort.)

      Reply
  2. Jacqueline Hurley

    I can’t seem to watch the videos. They are completely scrambled,
    the voice is scrambled. I don’t know what the problem is, have any ideas or suggestions?
    Jackie

    Reply
    • Jennifer S. Wilson

      Does this happen on all videos? Your internet connection might be having troubles, i.e. too slow. You can also try watching it here: https://vimeo.com/58336404

      Reply
    • LisaAnn

      I was having the same problem, and it seems like I tend to with Vimeo videos, then I turned the HD off. Was perfectly fine after that. Hope that helps. 🙂

      Wonderful tip! Going to put it in action tomorrow.

      Reply
  3. Mari Adkins

    I agree. I have ADHD and it seems multitasking is a built-in feature. I’m trying to reprogram myself to focus on one task at a time. I keep telling myself, “One thing at a time, Mari. One thing at a time.” Just like “One day at a time”. 🙂

    One thing I’ve done for this year is purchase myself a Moleskine dayplanner. I keep it open and beside me through the day. It’s really helped! I can glance down and see what I need to be doing and plan accordingly. At the bottom of the pages, I do a bit of “Victorian journaling” – I write down a brief recording of what I did that day along with the weather and what came in the mail.

    Reply
  4. nichole

    Excellent ideas! Start the crock pot.. check. Look just at what photos I’m going to print.. check. Order the photos.. check.
    ONE thing at a time or “uni-tasking” seems like an impossible feat for me, as I have a gazillion things that require priority. (Thank you Jennifer & Francine) However all of you made it sound simple! I LOVE the idea of writing down what I got done for the day (Mari!) I have “fibromyalgia fog” and I can’t tell you enough how silly I feel when I didn’t get the ONE main task I wanted to do for the day done.
    I love this forum.. love the blog and hope to sign up for the classes. . They seem so valuable already!

    Reply
    • Jennifer S. Wilson

      Thanks Nichole, let me know if you have any questions about what we offer!

      Reply
    • Mari Adkins

      You’re quite welcome Nichole. Glad I could help. “Brain fog” comes with ADHD, too, and I’m always looking for little ways to help myself – they do add up!

      Reply

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