Most of the time it feels like I have a million things to do. I’m very good at adding projects into my life haha However, I find that I am not able to make progress on any of them unless I focus my attention on one task at at time.
As I said to a friend recently, I believe there is really only one thing that we can do at a time. Therefore, I find the notion of “multi-tasking” to be flawed. Even if I have multiple windows on my computer open, I have to close one before I can get to another. As we spend time going back and forth between tasks, I think it takes us longer to actually complete one task (if we finish at all).
However, if we set aside dedicated time to give our attention to one thing, our chances of completion are higher. So, too, is the quality of our output.
I do my best work when I have space, time, fresh air, and food to keep me going. Hurrying through life is not a healthy approach (I am sometimes guilty of this!), and we don’t allow ourselves to actually enjoy the present moment because we are too busy rushing around.
So, in this moment, I encourage you to slow things down. Take a deep breath (in through nose, out through mouth), call to mind three things you’re thankful for, and determine the most important thing for you to do in this moment. And then focus your attention on whatever that is ;)
When you are hungry, eat. When you are tired, sleep. This is Zen. -Roshi
Photo source: Spring Equinox at Salk Institute by Sameer Mundkur