Are you good at multitasking?  Really good?

According to an article a friend sent to me - you are doing more harm than good.  In fact, it is really taking you 50% longer to accomplish tasks and you can be open to making 50% more mistakes.  Was that your intention?

I have read that only computers are designed for multitasking.

Even when you are walking and talking (just 2 things) - you will pause when you approach a pothole or disturbance in the sidewalk (a 3rd thing) because your brain naturally focuses on tasks sequentially - one at a time!

Multitasking drains both mental and physical energy.  Just because you expend energy, does not mean you are productive -- it is only an illusion.

Another illusion is you are saving time.  Every time you switch your attention, your brain goes through a sequence of activities to refocus and adjust to the new task.  You lose previous 'progress' and then you need to start over.  Was that your intention?

Slow down, organize, prioritize - do tasks completely, and correctly -  one at a time.  Set aside the appropriate time to do the task.  Schedule time pockets to check email/voice mail - not at every receipt of a message.

Take "brain breaks" - stand, stretch, take deep breathes, eat some fruit, play a few minutes of online games, such as "Bejeweled".  Use discipline - do 5 (1) minute plays and then go on to the next task.  Drink a glass of water.

Remember, time management is your use of discipline to accomplish your goals.  You can have fun along the way. Life is too short - not to!