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The danger of multitasking is that we can end up neglecting the most important thing, while feeling great about how much we are accomplishing. 'One thing at a time' has its virtues.
The danger of multitasking is that we can end up neglecting the most important thing, while feeling great about how much we are accomplishing. ‘One thing at a time’ has its virtues.
“Efficiency is doing the thing right. Effectiveness is doing the right thing.” – Peter Drucker
In the first part of this two-part series on multitasking, I discussed the importance of productivity and whether multitasking is good for productivity. In this concluding blog, let’s examine why multitasking might not be as good as thing as it is commonly perceived to be.
Here is what we know from various research on the results of multitasking:
So what is the antithesis to multitasking? Doing one thing at a time.
“There can only be one most important thing . Many things may be important but only one can be most important.” – Ross Garber
The only exception to this rule where multitasking works to an extent is parenting at home. Sometimes there is more than one important task and both have the same priority. For instance, your toddler needs to go to the bathroom when the doorbell rings. There are multiple situations like this in a home with young kids. As a parent you have to handle all of them and everything is important but you could still prioritize these on the basis of urgency and do them in a sequence; then, these tasks which appear to be multitasking actually become one task at a time.
“Success demands singleness of purpose.” – Vince Lombardi
We need to figure out what matters the most at a given moment and give it our undivided attention. Extraordinary results are determined by how narrow you can make your focus. Extraordinary success is sequential, not simultaneous. Success builds on success.
Here are just some of the benefits of focusing on one thing a time:
We know now that multitasking is not good for productivity and it is in indeed a myth; that too a very popular one. We also saw that for long-term success, we need to focus on the most important thing at a time and give the task at hand our best.
This way, we would not only be more productive but also become more content and happy. The key is – over time. If we choose right and focus on doing our most important thing right – one thing at a time, slowly and over time, it will accumulate towards a big success.
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First published at author’s blog
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I am an enterpreneur, a writer and a mother. I am passionate about women empowernment and equality for women. I write about inequalities and challenges women face in our socitey and career. I believe words read more...
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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