Addicted to multi-tasking

[Sakrysta]

I've discovered something rather alarming about myself. I can't do just one thing at a time anymore. On a computer, I have multiple windows open, and some kind of "noise" (tv, music, etc.) in the background. At home, I have to plan to have two or three things going at once. Start the washer before you start that process on the computer before you sit down to crochet, then they'll all be going at once and you won't waste time...

It's becoming quite stifling. I feel like I can't do anything unless I'm doing three things. Focus on just one job? No way. I'll end up distracted by other things. Give me three things to split my focus, and one of them might actually get done.

I'm not crazy. I'm just a little unwell.
I know, right now you can't tell -
But stay a while, and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me...

Please tell me I'm not alone!

 

[tharpdevenport]

Hum. I always assumed this was "normal" for most people who were Generation X morons. I do multiple things at once many times, sometimes having 13 or more windows open when doing a bigger task.

I always assumed multi tasking was more along the lines of LITERALLY doing two things at once, like adding complicated math in your head while doing data entry.

 

[trekkiedane]

/.../ Give me three things to split my focus, and one of them might actually get done.

/.../

Please tell me I'm not alone!

I usually have the tv on (rarely music or radio) whatever else I do -but then, I never actually watch it

And I do the same thing with the computer; never just one thing at a time -horrible isn't it!

Oh, and those first lines I quoted: spot on! -recent studies conclude that multitasking actually is bad for all the tasks you do.

 

[An Officer]

You sound very motivated.

If I have too many things on the go, I feel harassed. Much happier with just one task at a time.

 

[Kestra]

I've been like this as long as I can remember. It's as if I find it easier to focus on tasks when I have several of them at hand, instead of a single one. I've found that it's served me well in my line of work at least.

 

[Rii]

If it's of any comfort, you're probably not very good at it.

 

[RoJoHen]

I'm very good at multi-tasking, but I am also quite content to do absolutely nothing.

 

[Warp Coil]

I'm definitely a multi-tasker. I have no problem throwing a load of laundry in the washing machine while dinner's cooking and the TV is on and I'm on the phone and I need to feed the cat and...

 

[roarimaraptor]

I have to be doing several things at once or else I launch into a state of catatonic boredom.

 

[backstept]

I'm definitely a single tasker
my old boss used to want me to multitask, but that never made any sense to me because I can only work on one thing at a time, and switching between multiple things just wastes time because I'm switching more than working . . . he never really understood it because he didn't do that sort of work . . .

 

[Jadzia]

When we say multitasking, we really mean rapid task switching. Literally doing two or more problem solving actions at once does require significantly more effort to prepare. People don't make a habit of that.

I like multitasking, but I learned at a young age that I'm quicker overall doing one thing at a time. However, speed isn't the motive, my well-being is, so I still choose to multitask where possible.

I prefer to not be stuck with one project at a time, because all I would have is that project until it is complete. There's no freedom to move with one. But with two or three, I can be flexible, and jump between projects at whim. If I was to give a psychological reason for it, I'd say it's about the comfort of carrying choice with me. Freedom to choose makes me happy.

Jadzia's law of choices:
1 is a tedious, 2 is an ultimatum, 3 is happy, 4 or more risks being overwhelming.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I've always been a multitasker. If I have only one thing to do, it tends to take me forever. I like having several things on my plate at once--I'll switch between them constantly throughout the day.

It helps to be in my line of work (programming), since I get assigned a few things just about every day.

 

[Starbreaker]

I'm to the point where I can't watch TV without being on the computer or listen to music without being on the computer... maybe I'm just addicted to the internet.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I've lived without TV since I got my own apartment. It's beautiful. And quiet.

I like to have some music on, at times, but sometimes I just want silence.

 

[trekkiedane]

A question to the multitaskers.

Do you only multitask when you have several boring tasks to perform or do you also multitask if one of the tasks really grabs your interest?

I have noticed that when I create avatars (it's been a while though) I tend to forget everything around me and focus very well on that single task.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

If you try to combine talking and eating, you'll end up doing neither very well!

I don't so much multi-task as organise and prioritise, especially at work. I feel that it's not possible, and indeed actually dangerous, to try and multi-task while working e.g. listening to a hand-over while filling out a scan request form, as serious and avoidable mistakes can be made. OK, some people say you can multi-task, but I prefer the terms "organise" and "prioritise".

Of course, some things can be done at the same time, so long as attention is not focused on one particular task without dire consequences. Eating and reading a newspaper. Surfing the Net and listening to music. Generally relaxing pastimes where I don't need to focus on the task at hand, and I can chill and relax. Of course, playing a computer game (especially an action game) and listening to music is very difficult, especially when trying to focus on both.

Incidentally, I consider using the computer to be a single task, even though the computer can multi-task and open and process several applications simultaneously. I have to deal what's at the front of the bunch of open windows.

Incidentally too, there are numerous video examples of "multi-tasking" on the Internet. Or so I'm told.

Jadzia's law of choices:
1 is a tedious, 2 is an ultimatum, 3 is happy, 4 or more risks being overwhelming.

Kinky.

 

[Cakes488]

I'd like someone to practice some multi-tasking on me...oh yeah...now that sounds good!

 

[Supreme Admiral]

I've lived without TV since I got my own apartment. It's beautiful. And quiet.

I like to have some music on, at times, but sometimes I just want silence.

How can you live without TV? What about hardcore news? It's something that I can't live without TV! How do you manage to survive that?

 

[RoJoHen]

I've lived without TV since I got my own apartment. It's beautiful. And quiet.

I like to have some music on, at times, but sometimes I just want silence.

Do you own a TV and just don't pay for cable? Or do you not have a TV at all?

I could easily do without TV reception, but I love watching DVDs.

 

[Michael Chris]

Yeah, I multi-task. I'm currently doing accounting homework, posting here, and watching an old episode of the Office.