How to Reduce Multitasking and Start LIVING!

Yesterday I blogged about the dangers of multitasking, about how it pulls us away from actually experiencing life and prevents us from engaging in meaningful activities. The end result of multitasking is completing many items, but not really doing any of them well. Or, not really experiencing the event, so that you end up feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Meaningful living can come through being where you are. This would be "monotasking," and is diametrically opposed to multitasking.

How to start? Well, start where you are!

Just for today, pick one task, item, or activity that you normally just skim over to get it done. It doesn't really matter what the task is, but I would pick something that could hold some importance in your life if you gave it just a bit more attention.

Once you have identified your task, when it comes time to do it, begin by reminding yourself of your intention to focus only on that task.

As you dive in to the task, whether it takes 30 seconds or 30 minutes, concentrate on what you are doing RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT. Do not let your mind wander to something else. Concentrate on the actions you are taking, the specific ideas you are considering, the information you are absorbing.

If you are reading something for your business, focus on the print on the page, think about what the author is attempting to communicate, concentrate on understanding what you are reading.

If you do feel your mind starting to wander to something else, gently refocus your attention on what you are doing.

You will find big results with monotasking while exercising. As you perform an exercise, really focus on your move, how your muscles feel, your form and correcting any poor alignment.

You will have better results because you are thinking about what you are doing and right-ing any problems as they occur.

The amazing thing you will find about monotasking is that each activity will require hardly any more time than it took you in the past. But your end result will be much deeper, more impressive, and you will feel more connected both to the task and the result.

Be where you are NOW. Resist the temptation to have your mind wander to things you aren't actively engaged in at this moment in time.

And if you practice this with your children and other family members, you will be amazed at how your interactions will improve. They will know you are actually paying attention to THEM and want to understand and engage with them.

Can you imagine how that might impact your relationships?