Guess what?
You are not a good multi-tasker.
Yes, you! Now, before I get a slew of angry emails from moms, executive assistants, air traffic controllers and the like, let me explain.
The reason none of us are good multitaskers is because multitasking is a myth. When we think we’re multi-tasking we are simply switching quickly from one task to another. This is a function of our brain’s command center which is found in our frontal lobe. Frontal lobe activity is what separates ADHDers from non ADHDers. There are some people, like my sister in law, who are amazing “multi-taskers.” She can be on a conference call, research and fix payroll discrepancies, handle an employee complaint all while eating lunch.
She doesn’t have ADHD.
“Multitasking” is more difficult for us because we tend to switch tasks involuntarily and have difficulty switching back or sometimes not at all. And trying to keep track of what you were, are and planning to be working on all at the same time can be too overwhelming and something usually gets thrown by the wayside.
Which brings me to GST, a term coined by the wife of my one of my readers which would hit home with a lot of us. GST stands for “Getting Side Tracked.” I discovered this term in an email he sent me in which he described how he managed to flood his entire kitchen twice while trying to multitask.
We live in a world where being able to do more things at once isn’t an advantage, it’s a necessity. Nearly every job description requires multitasking. We’re able to have unlimited tabs and windows open on our computers at once. We can watch two different TV shows on the same screen. ADHDers feel a lot of pressure to keep up. We also have a tendency to take on too many projects at once or bite off more than we can chew. Therefore, creating more opportunities for GST.
The message here is slow down. Juggling two balls instead of seven probably isn’t more entertaining but it’s easier and safer.
Try these: (one at time please)
1. Learn to say “no” – It’s much easier to turn down a project you know you can’t do then to say yes and let a bunch of people down later.
2. Set realistic goals for finishing project. If you can’t make 150 cupcakes in 12 hours and maintain your sanity; offer to do 75.
3. Focus on doing your one current project well, instead of doing an okay job on a bunch of things
4. If you can’t avoid working on multiple projects; post-it notes make great reminders. Use them freely.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It doesn't make you a failure, it makes you smart. No one can do everything on their own. David Neeleman doesn't fly the planes at JetBlue & Ralph Lauren has never helped me find a dressing room in his store. They have help.
6. Try to avoid multi-tasking during potential dangerous jobs: cooking, driving, giving baby a bath. My sister in law had to remind me twice about the pizza I had in the oven while writing this post.
7. Find some time to live in the now. Our brains live to wander, but some moments are worth not having to share the spotlight with your Blackberry.
Now, go back to working on that project, answering phones and reading this blog post as one of the four windows you have open on your computer. Busted!
Until Next time...
Keep ADDing Bliss!
Michelle
