...I cannot.
[Side rant: Why in the world is "can not" one word while "eachother" is two?]
I have a lot of little tasks to do throughout the day. Some of them aren't really little, but they are thrown into the mix of daily activities, eternal projects, quick memos, impending deadlines, and things-someone-just-handed-me-to-do-this-instant. Then I go home, spend time with my wife, help with dinner (read: I bug her to make it and keep her company <smile>), blog again, work on other projects that I always put off, and then have time to do as I please before collapsing into bed to rinse and repeat tomorrow. And if I was a good multitasker I think I would thrive in this kind of environment.
But I'm not.
I'm a "focused" kind of individual--meaning I can't focus to save my life unless I only have one thing on which to focus. Give me a task that is moderately interesting and no distractions, and I will disappear for hours without making a peep.
So this new position is an adjustment for me.
My only solace is that when I have kids I may be a better dad for it: Giving my undivided attention to my little darlings.
...a man can dream, right?
So, how about you? Are you a good multitasker? Any tips for those of us who are incapable of breathing and walking at the same time? It's a good thing my heart is on autopilot....
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Expectant Father
"I got so into the story I even forgot to read it out loud!" - Now that is hysterical! Love it!
Yes, I realize that women tend to be better at multitasking, and I'm okay with that. Good reminder to do things well, even if only one at a time, Eileen.
Thanks so much for commenting!
~Luke
Luke,
I think MOST people (especially most men) are not able to multi-task, so don't feel you're in the minority. Better to do one thing at a time well, than multi-task poorly.
I don't know why, but in my experience, girls and women are better able to multi-task than most boys and men. Probably just a gender difference, that will one day be explained scientifically.
Eileen
Dedicated Elementary Teacher Overseas
elementaryteacher.wordpress.com
I think most women are just born multitaskers. I can cook dinner, talk on the phone and correct a math page without breaking a stride. But hand me a good read ( blog, book, heck even a cereal box) and I'm so absorbed I tune everyone and everything else out! During our read aloud time the other day I got so into the story I even forgot to read it out loud! LOL!
Kate and Toni,
Thanks for taking the time to offer encouragement. I appreciate it!
~Luke
I think being a dad will force you to multitask! Although my husband is not a great multitasker either. If I am not doing two or three things at once I feel like I am doing nothing. I am not sure how I do it though, I guess it is natural, or necessity with 6 kids.
Toni
My mom used to tell me I was not qualified for motherhood because I could only do one thing at a time. Five kids later, I have proved her wrong even though the kids sometimes call me One Thing At a Time Mama. The one thing that has changed is that I don't spend much time on any one thing.
You'll adjust.
Kate
Dinner is going to be blast at my house. If anyone is ever in the neighborhood, stop by to join in the madness (once the kids come... still praying for Oct. 10).
I hadn't yet stumbled across your blog, Sarah Bray. You are now in my reader!
I guess I'm just going to be lost forever, Neely. If you live multitasking and your husband still hasn't figured it out, there isn't much hope for me <smile>.
Thanks, all, for stopping by and sharing your smiles, wise-cracks, and wisdom with me. I love it!
~Luke
When you find the answer to your question please let my husband in on it :)
My life IS multi-tasking!! haha
No and NO. I am not. Of course, I do it because I must. I'm a mom and a web developer and a wife and all of these other things, too. But when I'm working, I'm working, and my husband can talk to me for 10 minutes before I realized that he said a single word. Definitely frustrating for him!
Practice speaking to four people all at once! It's going to be the best craziness ever, eating dinner at your house after the children arrive.