The Fallacy of Multi-Tasking

At some point, one needs to stop being the Jack-of-all-Trades and actually FOCUS on “something”. Yes, of course there is some common necessary multi-tasking scenarios – but here I’m talking about the Hard Core multi-taskers. Those who pride themselves on doing LOTS at ONCE.

As I’m sitting here jotting this down (the old fashioned way), I’m looking at this 20-something girl, coffee in front, white ear phones in, sunglasses on (we’re in a courtyard), notebook open, laptop engaged.

And she is FRANTIC!

No part of her body language says, “I’m happy, I’m chillin’.” When the waiter asks her a question, she doesn’t even look at him.

She has that flourish when she types – like an old-fashioned Journalist on a manual typewriter. It’s quite hypnotic. She moves between all her objects – flicking through her notepad with the same noisy flourish as someone who has been in a Waiting Room too long – the movement between her pad, pen and laptop; the slurp of the coffee whilst checking her iPhone.

What is she waiting for? I wonder if she’s just trying to look busy. Is she trying to impress that someone who is about to arrive? Is this a charade or just how she operates? Perhaps she is super-nervous, a stress-bucket, and is trying to keep herself occupied.

On the other hand, there are professional groups in this courtyard. Far from multi-tasking on their BlackBerries, they are intensely ENGAGED with each other. They are demonstrating that wonderful polite engagement but it doesn’t look stressful.

Family groups likewise. The small girl has no electronic toys, only a stuffed toy and is ENGAGED with who look like her Grandparents (both sets, it’s a huuuge table). Nothing looks contrived and everyone is relaxed and engaged.

There is a comfortable din of conversation which relaxes me. No one table seems to overtake the available air space. The chunky warmth of this large timber table reminds me to STOP trying to do a million things at once.

But my phone chimes from the depths of my handbag. It reminds me that the meter is about to expire and I also need to buy some canvases from the Art Shed.

Back to reality and my own version of multi-tasking at home.

Come back tomorrow for an exciting 123 Challenge Blog Hop!!
(my first one, so I expect you all to help me LOL)