Sunday, October 3, 2021

Joyful Single-Tasking

Dear friends, I'm so glad to find you here today!

I don't know about you, but I've always thought I was a fairly good multi-tasker.  I could take care of all kinds of business lobbed at me in short order.  Be fully involved in ministry 24/7.  Whip up a three course meal without breaking a sweat.  Bob from one thought process to the next on a moment's notice without shifting gears.  

I don't know if it's part of the aging process or technology's steady over-stimulation.  Maybe something to do with the impact of this life-altering covid era or side effects of medication.  Whatever ... this year has found me aimlessly drifting through too many days and not accomplishing a whole lot.  And that began to really bug me.

Fast forward to the final months of 2021 and the stark realization that I'm in no way an accomplished multi-tasker {if I ever was}.  I am now a self-proclaimed single-tasker.

I'm so done with nonchalantly juggling a bunch of random balls in the air. 

I'm giving myself full permission to focus on one task at a time.  One person at a time.  One project at a time.  One book at a time.  One day at a time.  As much as is humanly possible. 





Focusing on more than one task at a time, repeatedly switching back and forth between two or more tasks, or focusing on many things in a short period of time can all be considered 'multitasking' and they can all leave you less focused and efficient than you may think.  

This is because it takes time for your mind to adjust to a shift in focus; each time you switch your focus, you are creating another need for your mind to re-focus, and this can drain you of time and energy.  

It can also mean that when you multitask between more than one activity that requires thought or focus, it takes longer than it would have taken if you had focused on each task individually.

🔐

For me, single-tasking is about shedding some kind of mantle of do-it-all perfection.  Giving myself grace.  Removing the pressure to check off everything on the endless to-do list.  It allows me to complete tasks or small projects in their entirety without a bunch of loose ends all over the place.  To care for myself more mindfully.

It's also about creating plenty of respectful space for the person I'm with ... and 'purposing in my heart' to continue to serve others full-heartedly and 'not reluctantly or under compulsion' {2 Corinthians 9:7}.

This fresh perspective has been stunning in its simplicity and freeing in its impact.  

A simple 1-2-3 list keeps me focused.  My brain is clearer, my spirit calmer, and my body a bit more energetic.  I do a whole lot less wandering through my days and find myself able to accomplish more.  I'm sleeping better and eating healthier.  Not to mention craving the outdoors with its sights and scents and nature's songs. 

I'm talking less stress, more creativity, and finding delight in being absorbed in what's right in front of me.  Bonus points for launching into an organizing binge that's hitting every corner of my house.  More purposeful online activity when I actually get there.  Ramping up to co-create a care-giving ministry at church.

And a continued commitment to writing and nurturing online community with you, my treasured friends.

In a spiritual sense, it's kind of like 'fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.' 
{2 Corinthians 10:5, MSG}

This altered way of doing life is a work in progress, but I feel like I'm headed in the right direction for this next season.  I feel His pleasure. 

Up next?  

I'll share a simple, practical key that opens the door to joyful single-tasking.  You'll be surprised at how doable and effective it can be.  Meanwhile, I'd be fascinated to hear your insights on what works for you when it comes to handling life's multiple demands and unexpected challenges ...
Linda



🔐

visiting with 

47 comments:

  1. I've always had trouble being a multi-tasker. From reading more than one book (I have definite trouble with that unless one is fiction then I leave it at home) to reading and listening to someone at the same time, to trying to visit with someone and the TV is on...I have trouble. I do much better one task at a time. The only think I can do is listen to music while working out or cutting grass, etc. it takes no concentration. That being said, I give you permission to join my club Linda. :)

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    1. Thank you for the club membership, Bill! {I think?!}

      We recently viewed a map exhibit at a small museum and whenever someone pushed the button to hear a dramatic audio presentation it completely threw me off kilter and made it nearly impossible to focus on whatever map I was looking at.

      Made me crazy.

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  2. I recognized some time ago, multi-tasking was doing me nor the task at hand any favors. Do one thing at a time and do it well! You have given me a topic to write on, Linda! Thank You!
    Blessings!

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    1. Oh I can't wait to read what you come up with, Lulu! Be sure to post the link to your post, ok?

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  3. I felt such peace just reading your post!! I've been trying to be more mindful and slow down more but I'm a work in progress. You have inspired me to revisit this and to take my time. Walk slower, concentrate on one thing, make eye contact when talking instead of not fully being "there" etc.....Thanks for the inspiration!!

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    1. Val, I'm glad you found a little peace here. You're so right, this is all a work in progress. I think it'd be fair to say that without all the technology that's become part of our lives, this wouldn't be such a challenge.

      Too many voices in our head, demanding our attention.

      Meanwhile, He's whispering peace.

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  4. I so relate to this, Linda. I'll be interested in reading your ideas further. I think we are at the same stage of life and I do notice - especially after my bout with COVID - that multi-tasking is wearing on me.

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    1. Oh yes, Jerralea, I remember when you were battling covid last year. Your input is so valuable because you've been there and it's important for us to appreciate that for many, the effects linger on.

      Please continue to weigh in on this important subject. And meanwhile, continue to be gentle with yourself.

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  5. One. Thing. At. A. Time. Multitasking has always been overrated in society. We are much happier and more productive when our focus is on the task at hand, not the one that can wait until tomorrow.
    Wonderful post, Linda, and a great reminder for all of us to simply slow down.
    Blessings!

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    1. Even the thought of slowing down is music to the ears, Martha!

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  6. I used to multi-task or at least I thought so, Like you, I am motivated to concentrate on doing one task at a time and completing it before moving on. Thanks Linda for this timely post.

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  7. I love this so much and it aligns with the season I am in, too. I love to just breathe, to be honest. To just sit at His feet and allow Him to speak, unrushed and unhindered. I guess we are feeling our age, but it truly is so very liberating. God bless you, my friend!

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    1. 'I love to just breathe, to be honest.'

      Isn't it crazy that we live in a society where that seems to be a novelty? And when we notice our breathing we find it's shallow, while our shoulders are hunched up to our ears and our fists are, for some reason, clenched.

      Your use of the word 'liberating' is so apt, friend ...

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  8. Oh dear Linda, I am feeling ya sister! YES, I used to be quite the multitasker and was quite proud of it too! So proud that the multitasking did indeed take much more of my time than needed. I am a single tasker too now. Learning and learning and learning....to focused on what is really important. I also found over the years that when I tend to get too many irons in fire....the one or two things that the Lord has really called me to do goes half accomplished. I always love how you have shared about giving yourself grace. Lordy, do we all need this reminder and for me, often. Thank you for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Cindy, yes. So many people who love Jesus end up with too many irons in the fire ... and wonder why they start to feel resentful, burned out, jaded.

      Jesus was always taking a break from the crowds and demands of life ... getting into a boat, going up a mountain, communing with His Father, or resting with just a few of His closest friends. He showed us how to fully engage with others ... and also how to remove Himself from from the action to have His soul replenished and restored.

      We would do well to do the same.

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  9. I'm a recovering multi-tasker too. Eight or nine years ago I heard a woman speak about Mary of Bethany, focusing on Mark 14:8--"She did what she could." The speaker's point was that we can't be all things to all people, we can't do everything that needs doing. But at the end of the day if we did what we could, we have done enough. That was good truth I needed to hear! Now those words, "She did what she could," echo in my mind at the end of the day, and urge me to give grace to myself, even if everything isn't checked off the to-do list.

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    1. 'She did what she could.'

      Amen, Nancy. And He smiles and says, 'well done, good and faithful servant'
      {Matthew 25:23}.

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  10. I love that idea of joyfully single tasking! Multi-tasking doesn't work for me either. It's like having too many tabs open on my internal computer. Sooner or later, I forget something or drop a ball. I've been thinking a lot about this lately as I attempt to manage my time post-retirement. I'm working part-time, but have oodles more time than I used to. Trying a few ideas on for size to see what fits. Maybe I'll write about it eventually. In the meantime, I admire how focused and internal your life is becoming. Being outdoors is such an important path to prayer!

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    1. I always lean forward when I read your words, Barbara.

      Always!

      I'm so grateful you're in my life.

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  11. I started that concept a long while ago and probably 85 percent of the time, I hold to it. (There's always that 15 percent!) I don't know if it makes me more efficient but it makes what I do better and that's a good thing!

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    1. 85% is fabulous, Jeanie. I'd love to know how you do this on a steady basis ...

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  12. As a person who has so many multiple interest, I find it hard to be single focused! But I like the idea of being single focused for a period of time, and then to the next activity. I look forward to hearing more about your single focus journey!

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    1. Absolutely yes to this, Lynn -->'being single focused for a period of time, and then to the next activity.'

      That's what's working for me now. And it makes a whole lot of sense.

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  13. Linda,
    I love this! I'm not sure why I prided myself in being able to do many tasks at once. Basically it meant I wasn't truly devoting myself to any one thing or person. Perhaps this is why God allows our aging brains to decling in their mental agility. It forces us to slow down, focus, and be more intentional. Once again -- God in His great wisdom. Learning, with you, to enjoy one task at a time.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

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    1. 'Basically it meant I wasn't truly devoting myself to any one thing or person.'

      Uh, for sure. And not only our work often shows the scattered results, but the person we're with can pick it up just by looking at us.

      Meanwhile, I'm glad you're out and about again, friend! You've been missed ...

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  14. It's so interesting how science has been proving exactly what you're saying, Linda, that we really are better at singletasking rather than multitasking. I tend to multitask too often. Sometimes it's okay when it's a rote task (like folding laundry while listening to a podcast) but I find it's harder and harder now to really concentrate on writing or reading if the TV is on, for example.

    I made a serious attempt to cut out multitasking one year for Lent and it was quite the challenge! :) I need to try it again because it also was enlightening.

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    1. Folding laundry and podcasts were made for each other! Writing or reading with the TV blaring in the background? No way!

      I'd love to hear about Lent and multitasking ... fascinating ... do tell.

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  15. It's interesting how we can so admire those who can multi-task. But I have come to realize - sure, we can do many things at the same time, but I'm finding we can only do one thing at a time with excellence. And I'm liking it better that way :)

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    1. Excellence. Yes, yes, Joanne! You hit the nail on the head. Anything less leaves me feeling a bit undone.

      I'm grateful there's a difference between excellence and perfection. Very.

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  16. Linda, I’ve never really thought of myself in terms of being a multitasker or not, but I absolutely love the concept of “single tasking.” I’m trying to use my time more wisely these days—to accomplish things that matter rather than waste time on things that don’t—so I’m very much looking forward to your next post! (And isn’t it fun to discover these things about ourselves that enable us to more fully function the way God made us?)

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    1. You're right, Lois, when we come upon something that speaks our name, it's a serendipitous discovery, isn't it! And even more so when we find we're in good company.

      ;-}

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  17. Interesting blog today! I have always been a multi-tasker, but noticed that nothing ever got done to completion. I would start working on something else in the middle of another job. I have two jobs, so I have a long "to do" list so I don't forget anything. I recently read an article for people who work, instead of a never ending "to do" list, bundle some things from the list and put it on the calendar. That way there is a time to do them, you get more done in a shorter amount of time and it works! I've only been doing it for a week or so, but I do see some im0provement. Hopefully the list will get shorter!

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    1. You're stealing my show!

      Looks like you're in the next post, Mah!

      :-}

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  18. Awww, Linda. Yes, there is much to be said for single-tasking. I used to pride myself on being a great multi-tasker. And though I may throw in a load of laundry right before I set about another task, I try to focus on one task at a time. I'm learning it's a discipline I need to improve at. But, I sense less stress when I focus just on one thing to completion. Great words here, my friend!

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    1. The nice thing about laundry is that you can throw-and-go. If I've got a load or two, it's usually the first thing I do when I go downstairs in the morning.

      A great way to kick off the day.

      ;-}

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  19. I'd rather do a single task well, than multi-task poorly. So I look forward to your single-tasking tips!

    Thanks for the visit.

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    1. 'I'd rather do a single task well, than multi-task poorly.'

      You said it, Margie!

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  20. I used to be able to multi-task, too, Linda. But the older I get, the more I find myself needing to single task. It's nice to know I'm not alone. :) I'm looking forward to your following post. Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Yep, this conversation has told us that we're all in good company! I like that!

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  21. A bit late but what the heck.

    It was Paul who said it first,
    This One Thing I Do,
    and that good line was not cursed
    with do be do be doo;
    George and John and Ringo stayed
    quiet, yeah, this time,
    as the sentiment that Paul played
    began its upward climb
    into God's blue Empyrean,
    and unto His ears,
    and so the Fab Four made the scene
    to echo through the years...
    thus I told Barb, and thus she rages,
    'The Beatles WEREN'T the Rock Of Ages!'

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    1. Trust Barb to keep you on the straight and narrow with your theology, Andrew!

      ;-}

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  22. I, too, have noticed I can no longer multitask as I once did, a result of aging I'm sure. However, I love that you point out the positive side of of it. Indeed it does lead to greater focus and more mindfulness to be in this moment just now. It reminds me that I must walk at the pace of grace...

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    1. Jan, hi! And thank you for this gentle nudge to 'walk at the pace of grace...'

      This is a cadence I want to embrace with more gratefulness.

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  23. Reading your words, I feel some small voice inside me protesting that if I don't multitask, there will be no time for all the things.
    Elisabeth Elliot's rebuke comes immediately to mind : There is always time to do the will of God.

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    1. For sure, 'all the things' shout at us, demanding our immediate attention. It's all so wearying. And very unlike obedience to our Father's biding which is steady, loving, and gracious.

      Thanks for these encouraging words, friend.

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  24. I think you are probably right! pinned. your neighbor at Grace & Truth

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