Walking the Tight Rope
Focusing when having to deal with necessary distractions
Welcome to the world of 10 web browser tabs open, 6 applications running, and even more thoughts demanding your attention. We’ve all heard of multitasking but this is getting ridiculous. Technology is advancing as fast as our ability to externalize the inner workings of our minds and internalize the world around us. Computing power is increasing and we are able to accomplish more than ever before. Constraints are being obliterated left and right.
However does this make us more efficient? Are we able to process more rather than just consume more?
The biggest issue in this whole process is maintaining a focus on what we are actually seeking to achieve. Does our objective stay top-of-mind despite our rants, streams of consciousness, and impulsive habits?
Research has shown that being an expert in multitasking is not the ability to do multiple things well at once. Instead it is about reducing switching costs, such as the time or energy needed to switch from one context to a new & different one. So if we switch to a new context for the purpose of satisfying a greater goal, then our immediate objective is to incorporate the new information seamlessly. By constantly reminding ourself of that objective, we are less prone to distractions and can stay on task.
In the animated series, Naruto, the main character, Naruto, has the ability to create clones of himself. Each clone is an independent manifestation of Naruto and depletes Naruto’s energy equally. Whenever a clone accomplishes its objective such as learning a piece of information, Naruto releases that clone and gains that clone’s insight. Multitasking works in a similar fashion since we essentially seek to divide our minds across multiple objectives.
So clearly a huge advantage exists for maintaining this objective. If we can get it outside of our minds and externalize it into the real world, we can give ourselves a reminder before we venture too far off task. We will be able to perceive going off track using our senses rather than solely relying on our distracted mind.
The obvious way would be to write it down. This could be on a post-it, a text editor, or even a checklist. Like any uncertain situation or setting, it is crucial to know
- How you got there (context)
- How to exit (success criteria)
This success criteria is what you should note and constantly assess your progress toward. Also don’t shy away from determining failure criteria since this will provide the necessary constraints so you will know when to give up (i.e. exhausting allocated resources like time, money, etc.)
So is multitasking bad? Are the qualities that make someone a multitasker useless or even cursed?
The traits of an effective multitasker are similar to someone who is effective at being mindful. The multitasker efficiently switches from one relevant context to another. The mindful individual is able to switch from a distraction back to the task at hand. The goal is to combine the best parts of both. How can you quickly and effectively identify when a context becomes a distraction? How can you get better at identifying the point in time when you have achieved your goal within a context so you can more effectively get back to the original context?
What is the difference between a multitasker and a mindful individual? Multitaskers are context-prone and in some cases even seek out a great quantity and variety of contexts under the presumption that this increases their output. Mindful individuals are context-averse and avoid new contexts whenever possible. These two types are strongly correlated with personality and temperament, e.g. high- & low-reactives and/or introverts/extroverts.
Regardless, each type can structure their environment to support their abilities. In many cases, the function of the job demands a certain type of environment. If you’re a writer or developer, putting on headphones and/or working in private offices is the ultimate mindful experience. However if you’re a manager with constant contact, you’ll institute an open-door policy to “keep things fresh.” Whoever you are, you have the ability to play to your strengths and reduce your weaknesses.
Productivity is about reducing obstacles to work and increasing effectiveness while working.
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