Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Several years back I took a Strengths test, and discovered that one of my biggest strengths is my ability to multi-task, in fact that is just a part of my nature. I am one of those people whose minds has very little trouble processing multiple inputs: read while watching TV or listening to music, follow multiple conversation threads at the same time etc. Which most of the time this comes in real handy, particularly in our new media age where we can be bombarded with so many different sources: TV, Internet, Cell Phones etc. And it has allowed me to productive at a job where I am often forced to think about one issue and provide an answer while dealing with a different customer on the phone at the same time.
But I have discovered a down side to all of this. That is I find it very difficult to focus on 1 task. And lately I have found that is having an effect on different things, including other aspects of my job. So I am trying to find ways and tools to retrain my mind to some extent to learn to focus when the occasion demands it. I am open to suggestions here as this is new territory for me. What are some books, guides etc. that can be used to do that retraining? I am open to ideas, welcome to input, bring it on.
For several years I have turned off any email notification tools. Not having those windows or sounds, and having the discipline to check every half hour has increased both my productivity and ability to focus. I discuss this with people I work with so if something really is urgent they know to call me or come to my office. JO
ReplyDelete