Monday, April 23, 2012

Checking in; TGIM: Monotasking

Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a great weekend!  Did you try anything new?  Check out the April Adventures roundup over at Meals & Miles!  Lots of great ideas for new things to try.

Since my success with running for fun, I've dipped in my miles again, but THAT'S OKAY.  I'm still working out, and I'm still enjoying myself.  I do want to get back in running shape, though, so this morning, I was planning to attempt a long run (for me, that'd be five miles) before an abs class.  Didn't happen.  I had a really poor night's sleep and just wasn't feeling up to it.  A spent a little while feeling guilty, but then decided that it's alright so swap today's plan for tomorrow; there was still time to make it happen.  ... But then I didn't.  I'm human.  It was raining.

I DID GO TO THE ABS CLASS.  I did something.  I did not do any real cardio conditioning, (after basically taking the weekend off,) and then proceeded to spend the day planted with my computer writing papers.  I feel slumpy because of it, but these things happen.  All I can do is make tomorrow better, right?  Right.

Like I said, I've got a LOT of big, important papers to be writing.  That's why this week, I'm returning to a challenge I've mentioned before...


This is my TGIM for the week.  Copied directly from earlier this month when I unfortunately did not really stick to my focus:


In the beginning, I did an okay job of applying myself to one task at a time.  I did not do the "say it out loud" thing, because who really does that?  I'd like to try, though, because I think it will make a difference in how effectively I actually monotask.  Eg: "I am writing this blog post, and I am not thinking about my paper, watching the TV, or texting on my phone." See?  Not so awkward.  If in public, I will write it down.  The point is to make it crystal clear what I am about to focus on.

This applies to both work and play.  I will work on my paper and only my paper, closing all other internet browsers that might distract me.  I will also monotask during my workouts; I will fully engage in the class, leaving my phone, magazines, and stresses at home.  I will sit down at the table to eat and not do anything else, not even the crossword puzzle that we keep in the kitchen!  I will focus on my food's flavors, textures, aromas, and I will take my time eating and digesting.  I will sit down and tell myself "I am reading for pleasure," without feeling guilty taking time for me.

Whatever I'm spending my time on, I will be more efficient if it gets my full, undivided attention. 


Do you ever multitask your day away?  What might be some strategies for single-tasking and being more productive?

2 comments:

  1. Ugh, I'm always doing too many things at once. I can't seem to stop! Good challenge, and good luck!

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  2. What an excellent challenge, and power to you! I'm the Queen Multitasker. I'm reading your blog work (baaaaaaad employee), with my work email and personal email both open. I have paperwork in front of me, and my cellphone just went off. And I'm drinking coffee. I can't remember the last time I actually did one task at a time. Way to push yourself!

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