You all know someone who is like this. He can not bear to shut off his cell phone. Any conversation with him is interrupted by phone calls and text messages. You never have his undivided attention for more than fifteen seconds. Maybe you are him. If you are, you might have noticed how little you manage to accomplish, despite having every piece of technology ready at your fingertips. Or, you get a lot done, but what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in an abundance of errors.
Today is Single-Tasking Day. The Dull Men’s Club notes:
In the 60’s when productivity began to skyrocket, experts predicted that by the year 2010, we would be working 30 hour work-weeks and enjoying more leisure time. But we have taken out our extra productivity in a higher standard of living and more ‘stuff’ rather than in a more relaxed life. As a result our society is reporting whole new illnesses:
- Toxic Success Syndrome
- Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
[…] While most remedies involved medicating and managing symptoms, few suggest changing the lifestyle that creates these problems. Why don’t they just suggest doing less and going slower?
That is the challenge for today. Do one thing at a time. Slow down, pay attention to what you are doing, and relax.
