Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a big deal these days. I’m a teacher in a middle school—I’ve seen AD(H)D. In fact, when I was in college in my “special learners” class, my professor starter her lecture by saying,
“Before we discuss learners with issues like ADD/ADHD, is there anyone here who has been diagnosed with one of these who would like to discuss their learning experience?”
No one seemed eager to respond, mostly because this was a post-lunch class, and everyone was groggy. The professor looked at me, “Schneider, you have ADHD, right?”
I smiled and politely corrected her, “No, I’ve actually never been diagnosed.” She looked shocked. No, seriously shocked, “Really? I would have sworn…”
Clearly, I’ve got some hyperactivity issues, but I’m also task-oriented, which means that I’m a habitual multitasker.
That’s why this image, tweeted by @Locomalito and retweeted by @andrewjmason, really resonated with me:
The Myth of Multitasking
There’s this crazy myth that has become pervasively entrenched in our digital society. It tells us that human beings can truly multitask, that we can actually, efficiently focus on two things at once. While I have personally bought into this myth on so many levels, I am find it increasingly hard to defend. So much of what I’m experiencing—so much of what this image succinctly says—is too apparent in my life to ignore.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about efficiency and the satisfaction of getting things done. There’s far more to this than just business. This is spiritual, even doctrinal, as well, though that discussion may need to wait till later. Of course, you probably already knew that, given how quickly the multitasking bug can destroy your attention span, even when your singular attention is being demanded by the most important things, like God and your family.
Tasks, Tasks, and More Tasks
For me, part of the issue is the abundance of tasks that I’ve taken on. The sheer enormity of my “to-do” list forced me to actually develop my own Evernote template and a system by which I keep my “working” files at the forefront. As the tasks pile up, I keep trying to sort them out, line them up, and knock them out. But instead of doing it one at a time, I work a little on each task as it comes, stopping when I hit a roadblock that will require more time or thought than I can presently give, and then switch over to a new task.
Regaining the Gift of Focus
While there may be times for such a method, it’s not sustainable long-term. I need to regain the gift of focus, and I wonder if I’m not alone in this. The first step in this process must be to stop accepting so many tasks, to start judiciously saying “yes” and “no.” (Ahhh, the word “no,” our old friend, it’s been so long since I have availed myself of your magic, task-reducing power.) Secondly, the harder part is establishing a plan of attack and sticking to it. Running from task to task will only result in task-fatigue and the overwhelming sense of accomplishing nothing.
Trust me on that one.
Do you struggle with multitasking?
How do you wage the war for focus?
[Top image via ringfrenzy via Compfight cc & Tweeted image via @Locomalito | HT @AndrewJMason]
Greg says
While I have never been formally diagnosed as AD(H)D, I along with my wife and kids believe I deal with it. Multitasking is a productivity killer for me. Unfortunately, my job requires that I support others in our company on various products and services, so I am constantly shifting focus on different things. I get easily distracted and suddenly realize the email that I was intending to send that morning is still sitting unfinished and unsent after lunch.
I am working hard to engage in serial mono-tasking where possible. My joke with others is: “I don’t suffer from ADD, I enjoy moments of brief, intense attention.”
Phil Schneider says
Story. Of. My. Life.
Greg, seriously, thanks for the comment. Thankfully, my attention issues/hyperactivity have aided me to some degree as a teacher, allowing me to shift quickly to keep up with the hormonal little dears.
That said, it does make talking with individuals and making meaningful connections much harder. it’s the cross we bear, I guess.