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Day 121: One Thing At a Time


July 14, 2020


The word “multitasking” first appeared in an IBM report in 1965 talking about the capabilities of its latest computer.  I don’t remember it being a big part of everyday life and conversation until maybe five or six years ago.  The truth is that the human brain is not capable of multitasking because it is not a computer.  Here are some things I found on Google about multitasking.  Multitasking reduces your efficiency and performance because your brain can only focus on one thing at a time.  Because the brain cannot fully focus when multitasking, people take longer to complete tasks and are predisposed to error. Research shows that people who multitask all the time cannot filter out irrelevancy or manage a working memory. They are chronically distracted.  The effect of multitasking can be an overall sense of anxiety because the brain is trying to juggle too many things at once, when it's naturally more comfortable focusing on one task at a time.  So, by trying to get more done all at once, we are getting less done with more mistakes and wrecking our ability to concentrate in the process!  How can we stop the madness?  We can try closing the door, literally and figuratively and lining things up in our day, without overlap.  Even if we can’t complete each task before we move on to the next, we can give each task our undivided attention for as long as possible, before going on to the next. If we are going to pray and spend time reading our Bible, then let’s do only that.  If we have work to do on the computer, do only that.  If we are talking to a friend, do only that, “closing the door” on all the distractions.  Eliminating interferences like our phones and TV and finding a quiet place to focus may take adjusting but our brain will function better when we don’t “have so many windows open”.  Romans 12:2 (NIV) says:  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Philippians 4:8 (TLB) says: “And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.”  Focus on one thing at a time!  Smile and be joyful! 

Live life to the fullest! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUg9qE_KjLg

 


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