For me, "multitasking" reminds me of a word you would find in an orientation packet, like "synergy." The very thought of multitasking brings to mind manila envelopes, cold conference rooms, and PowerPoint presentations. Eeek! Let me out of the office!
In actuality, multitasking is not confined to an office. Or even a formula. I'm starting to realize multitasking can extend beyond the idea of performing several activities at once, to the concept of planning for several activities throughout your day. (However, I do go through my Yoga routine while watching Arrested Development on Hulu. I love you, George Michael! Can we count that as multitasking?)
Eeek! Planning! I can't escape it. I even own a planner now. Who am I?
What about you? How do you manage the many roles you fill in a day?
By the way, have you guys checked out Kiersten White's blog? Her debut novel, Paranormalcy, comes out this fall!
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It is not uncommon for me to have either work or writing pulled up on one side of my screen, and sesamestreet.org on the other half of the screen. My two-year old always wants on my computer on my lap when I'm trying to get something done with him in the room.
Lol. Fun post. But it's so true. I thought I had to multitask when I became a parent but I have to multitask so much more as a writer. The duties are neverending. I'm not sure I've found that perfect balance where I'm most productive and content, but the more I do it, the more little tricks I discover that work well for me.
For example, I just cannot keep up with Facebook and Blogging and Twitter on top of it (though I don't use twitter--and this is why!) if I want to network at the same time as build relationships. Blogging works best because I can engage and stay fairly consistent and I get a better feel for who I'm building these relationships with. Add writing and studying craft books and agent/editor blogs into the mix and I have to plan what I'm going to do each day so I don't get distracted.
I drink a lot of coffee and tea throughout the day. and have two little boys that keep me running around. :)
Julie: Ah yes, I tend to have multiple windows open too!
Cindy: I agree that blogging helps foster relationships, a wonderful thing!
Cole: Thanks for visiting! I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but give me a couple of chai lattes and I'm set for the day!
So much work so little time... or is it SO MUCH FUN SO LITTLE TIME! I find myself with open windows trying to multi-task to make everyone happy including myself. It's so hard at times to make sure you've covered all your bases!
I've finished up my blogging as best I can and this evening I dedicate the rest of my few hours to revising before dinner. Man just thinking about it overwhelms me, the nerves crawling up my spine, the pit in my throat... can I do it???
I remember that most times, housework is the last priority. :-)
-sigh-
so much to do, so little time.
And I procrastinate ridiculously.
Jen: You can do it!
Rosslyn: Oh yes, vacuuming and dusting come last on my to-do list too.
Girlinbetween: Fellow procrastinator here. :)
I think it's our constantly working creative minds that keeps us multi-tasking on a level that would make most people pass out. As for Paranormalcy, it has been tempting me… Let me know what you think of it!
Sometimes I feel like I have eight arms and three heads. LOL!
Maybe I'm trying to do too much. :)
I LOVED Areested Development. So sad that show went off air.
I multitask all day long in my head, but I never go to bed having accomplished all the things I planned to do. That reminds me, have I cleaned up the lunch dishes yet...?
Oh so true. Although, as you know, my multitasking for walking and drinking soda has been proven a disaster. lol.
Writers do a lot these days. I have ways to organize myself, like to-do lists and an agenda. A smartphone is helpful, because I can catch up on emails and reading books outside the house. I'm on vacation now, but when I'm doing the full-time job and part-time writing, the days feel rushed, but I somehow get things done.
Heather: Haven't read it yet either, but I'll let you know my thoughts when I do!
Jennifer: Me too! They were still going so strong too... so much funny potential left. *wistful sigh*
Nicole: Welcome back to the states! And my answer to most questions involving cleaning is "not yet."
Lindsay: Yes, but it makes for an entertaining blog post!
Sam - from an older member of your fan club....:-) Multitasking is what women do best. It is our comfort zone. We are at our absolute best, when we are juggling. Women rock (and accomplish so much more than our.....counterparts)!!!!
Oh we love A.D.! That and Gilmore Girls will always be mourned in our household. I still keep hearing the AD rumors of a movie. We can only hope.
That said, I don't think I could do yoga to AD...I laugh too much.
I JUST caved and joined twitter last night...to be honest, mostly to earn extra point in a couple of contests that I want to win. Bad. I'm not sure I get the hype, though.
I'm still catching up (from being away on vacation) on everyones blogs...sorry I haven't been around much lately. But I did read all your back posts. I'm up to speed on you. :)
Happy Thursday, Samantha!
Love,
Lola
Medeia: Hope your vacation is going fantastico!
Cynthia: I love it! Now I need to own up to my womanly ways and multi-task it up. :)
Lola: Welcome home! And yes, I frequently have to stop my yoga routine on account of laughter.
There are too many things for me to do in a day, and something always suffers. Sometimes it's checking blogs; sometimes it's reading, or working on my WIP. I really do wish I needed less sleep!
I have problems multi-taking wilst writing - probably why I tend to turn off Twitter and the Internet when I'm writing. I just can't flit back and forth so much when I need to concentrate. I wish I could!
Happy weekend!
Fun post. :) I wish there were more hours in the day to get everything done.
I love that book cover. Beautiful.
Oh, how I love Arrested Development.
I always thought I was a great multitasker... but now I don't really like to multitask but rather, I'd like to focus on just one thing.
Lydia Kang: Yes, that sleep thing does take up lots of time...
Talli Rolland: I have to close out the internet too when I'm writing.
Dawn Simon: Isn't it gorgeous? Can't wait to read it!
Missed Periods: Why was it canceled?!? So sad. So much funny potential left.
Stephanie: A great approach!
You've seen my monitor - I usually have four to six different applications open all at once, just for efficiency. I don't feel like I'm doing enough if I just do one thing.
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