I used to pride myself on my ability to multi-task. I was busy, I was ticking many boxes, I was getting things done and I often heard comments about how busy I was; to my ears a compliment about how well I was doing.

It took a while before I realised I was also overwhelmed, often worried about the next thing I needed to do (or hadn’t done yet hoping no-one would notice) and wondering when I could stop and do something for me, or even just to take a breath.

I’ve learned to slow down but the message came back to me last week when I felt the disappointment of multi-tasking. They were really only two simple tasks; surely they could be done together. My dog needed a walk and my friend needed to talk. Easy answer – I can talk to her on the phone while I’m walking the dog. I really wasn’t present for either of the activities. I constantly had to interrupt my friend to give the dog attention and my dog drew the short straw while I focused on what my friend was saying. It was as if I was constantly apologising to them both. At the end of it all, I felt unsatisfied and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.

What is it I want? I want to give quality; quality time to those I’m with and quality service to that which I’m doing.  I also want that sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done, a connection deeply felt and a difference well made. This can only happen when I’m focused and present. Does this mean I’m not busy or ticking boxes or getting things done? Ironically, the opposite is true. There’s a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment and I have time – time for me, time to take a breath and time to connect to what’s important to me.

How much more could you get done if you gave up multi-tasking? If you want to know more about changing the busyness and hurry of how you’re living life contact me.