I think it’s easy for us to look down on multitasking. The implication is that you’re not giving 100% to what you’re currently doing, but rather constantly having your mind on multiple things. But the truth is, all of us are multitasking through life. If you play more than one role, then you’re a multitasker.
I have been multitasking for years. It’s rare that I’m ever only committed to one thing– whether it’s work, studying, volunteering, serving, building a relationship or caring for my family. Before we pile on those activities that we actually do for fun, most of us have a pretty long list of obligations.
Lately, my days have been split among very different tasks and roles. Sometimes I’m just working on building a home and life together with my husband (who knew that cleaning could take all day?). In addition to blogging, I also take classes part-time and work as a private tutor. Weekly we meet with our church small group and I occasionally play the piano for our services. I’m sure your daily life is somewhat similar to mine.
So how do we go about multitasking without completely falling apart? If multitasking is the reality in which we live, then what can we do to make the most of it?
1) Prioritize the most life-giving commitment. Among those things that you do, what brings you the most joy? What is refreshing rather than exhausting? What makes you feel alive? Prioritize that thing. It might be your family or your faith. It might be taking care of your own health by eating well and exercising. Whatever it is, make sure it takes #1 priority over everything else. This will keep you sane.
2) Wherever you are, be fully there. The hardest place to draw boundaries is in our own minds. But to the extent that you can, be present in the role that you are playing in each moment. If you’re in a meeting for work, focus. If you’re spending time with family, offer your emotional attention. And when it’s time to put that phone away, put it away.
3) Never work without a list. Whether you are a natural planner or not, it is best to work with a list in front of you. Written reminders have always helped me feel less stressed about the tasks I have before me. And oh, does it feel good to cross things off that list, am I right?
4) Ask for help when you need it. We all tend to take on too much, but not all of us realize that we can ask for help. Before falling into despair, look around to see if someone can assist you. Along with this point is the importance of re-evaluating what you can manage. If you are constantly asking for help and relying on others, perhaps it’s time to let go of some obligations and allow someone else to take them on.
5) Become friends with imperfection. Whether we multitask or not, we are not likely to always have things go our way. Sometimes this is a result of a job not well-done, but other times it’s a matter of circumstances beyond our control. Whatever that imperfection is, let it be and move forward. Give yourself space to not achieve perfection.
And remember: as someone once wisely said to me, good enough is good enough. Those of us who love that feeling of achievement will hate this until we realize that it is our saving grace. Despite doing our best at everything we commit to, we inevitably fall short of perfection. But as a recovering perfectionist, I can say that there is so much freedom in letting go of my ridiculously high standards: I am happier, freer, humbler, and kinder. I’m less easily frustrated, and I find it easier to be my best self!
Are you a multitasker? How do you manage the demands that are made of you? I would love to know!
AWESOME! This is more than I could’ve asked for! Thanks again.
No problem! You should definitely join the Peony Project!! Another thing to think about is adding a Bloglovin’ button to your blog sidebar. I lot of women age 20-40 follow blogs on that platform 🙂
YES putting the phone aside is crucial. like totally hidden and out of the way. I am always amazed at how I grab my phone and pull up social media without even thinking. Sometimes I don’t even know how I got there!
http://www.girlrepurposed.com
That is just what I needed to hear. Thank you!
I am thinking of joining the peony project…I found it via your sidebar.
Thank you for the tip 🙂 I really appreciate you looking at my site and encouraging me based on what you saw. THANK YOU and God bless.
I personally don’t think it’s ever too late to start a blog 🙂 There are tons of blogs out there, sure, but there are millions that fade away every day. People don’t blog forever, so the turnover rate is promising. Also, I just read your about page– you have a TON to offer!! It takes a lot of time and effort to grow a readership, sometimes years– and based on all the blogging resources I’ve read, slow growth is the best kind.
Are you part of the Peony Project? (it’s in my sidebar) It’s been such a great resource for me, especially all the comment threads we have up during the week, where you’re guaranteed to get at least one person reading your blog and hopefully each post. It’s a great way to get started. Let me know if you have more specific questions!!
I was reading your blog and few others last night before bed and went to bed feeling a little discouraged and intimidated by blogs that are already so well established. I started blogging in October and fear that I have started too late. Any thoughts?
http://www.girlrepurposed.com
Aw thanks girl! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog 🙂 I really am much more productive and focused on days when I make lists in the morning. It’s such a good way to start off! Thanks so much for reading!
Thanks Angela! Yes, I agree that especially with blogging, it’s so easy to have a million tabs open at once. And I tend to prioritize the most urgent thing rather than the most life-giving thing, but most often that habit leads to burnout!
hey!! I’m a new reader of yours! your tone is so confident and clear, and I am really enjoying exploring your posts. I like the “living with a list” tip. Some days I am in such a rush that I think I don’t have time to make a list. Those days feel soooo much more chaotic. This post is motivation to make that list daily!
Interesting take! The biggest part is to focus on each individual task at hand. I do find that my quality of work goes down when I’m not fully present. Being present is so powerful. I work in blogging and social media, so if I’m not focused on that particular post or email, it shows. But I do have to move quickly through tasks so it’s always a big balancing act. I need to be way better about #1, though!
Yes. It’s a challenge for me to be fully there, and setting the phone aside is a good place to start! Thanks for reading!
I think being fully present with whatever you’re doing is vital. And don’t be afraid to put your phone aside!
Thank you Rachel! That’s a good point– it’s important to consider whether or not we want to split our energies or focus entirely. I see multitasking as more of a lifestyle that is hard to avoid; even if we’re not doing two things at one moment, we’re doing many different things throughout our day, week, month or year.
Thanks girl!
I really like this post, Daisy! I like to weigh the task with whether or not it’s a good one to multitask with. For instance I try not to multitask while writing a blog post, however I almost always multitask when cooking. I’m really trying to learn tip four. All too often I’m the person who goes into despair, because I hate being so unreliable and not always knowing when my health won’t allow me to do more.
This is such a great post, and so needed right now!
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Yes, lists really help me break down tasks so that they feel more manageable 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Yes, it’s so, so hard to be fully present. But it means that that moment will mean so much more to us! Thanks for reading, friend!
Thanks girl!!
Thank you Elmira! Multitasking is really becoming a lifestyle that many of us live at one time or another. It’s good to know how to do it well 🙂
Thank you so much Aliona!
Thanks Heidi! It’s a tough one.
Exactly! Multitasking is a way of life. Lists are fantastic– and I keep a little notebook as well instead of just using my phone. Love being able to look up from that tiny screen too!
You are right! Perfection is not even a real thing… I think striving towards it is an endless journey of frustration! Thank you Sheryl!
Thank you Ash! 🙂
Aw thank you Brooke! And so glad that you’re encouraging friends to be okay with imperfection. It is so liberating to know that not everything has to be perfect before we can sleep or have fun!
Thank you Shannon! I’m still working on it as well… it’s become a common lifestyle!
Thanks so much! Lists are fantastic 🙂
Working from home can be so fun! I think I would get lost without some self-enforced structure though!
Thanks Joanna! Yes, imperfection has freed me of so much anxiety! And I try not to be glued to my phone (or computer) as well.
Thanks girl!! And I feel you– such a busy time. Blogging can definitely take a back seat:)
Thanks girl! And yes– I did that too!! 🙂 Nowadays I try to make sure that I answer to what makes me come alive rather than what seems most pressing at the moment. It’s done wonders for anxiety 🙂
Thank you Nabihah! Yes, multitasking at any one moment is always tough; but sometimes we end up doing so many different things throughout the day that we feel as though we are doing all of them at once. And perfectionism can be helpful in certain ways, but other times I find it robs me of my joy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, friend!
Thank you so much Emily!! Making lists definitely helps keep me sane, and even if I don’t complete them I know I can come back to them! I’ve gotten really forgetful when I’m busy!
Lists are so great!! 🙂
Aw thanks girl! Burning out is the result of never coming alive… I feel it more often than I like to admit. And yes! We need to be the team of “good enough” instead of “team perfect”!
Thank you Anne!! And haha, both are great signature items to have 🙂
Aw thank you so much Gina! I usually answer to what is most pressing rather than what is most life-giving… oftentimes what is most pressing is the least life-giving of all! Following Jesus reminds me that what’s important to me needs to change! He comes first!
Oh, I hear you Shireen– I hear you. Things absolutely can wait, and we are all the better for it. I usually answer to things that are most pressing and forget to prioritize the things that make me come alive. I hope both of us can continue walking away from that perfectionism and instead cherish the people we love! 🙂
Aw so glad to hear it Jeannette 🙂 I definitely have a hard time remembering to do everything that I should, but it’s important to do what makes you feel alive! I’m so glad that you enjoy my blog, my dear friend! I enjoy yours as well!! It’s been such a fun space in which to share my thoughts and “talk” to people I love 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Yeah, I used to try to juggle everything, until I got to that point where I was asking myself, “what was that thought that I was just thinking and now don’t remember?” Not good… haha
Thank you so much Miriam! I’m really glad this resonated with you. And yes, imperfection has become such a relief for me. 🙂
Absolutely– oftentimes it doesn’t even occur to me to ask!
Yes– I’m actually not good at choosing what’s life-giving, instead I tend to choose what is most pressing. I need to reverse that!
Thanks girl! 🙂
So much #3! Wow I’d be so overwhelmed if I didn’t write things down. Everything always seem bigger when it’s all in your head.
Bf Gf Does Blogging
#2 is calling out my name! I have the hardest time with this sometimes…. It leaves me feeling guilty! Imperfection… yes! So important! Great post! 🙂
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Love this post and I have been needing this advice!! Love the one become friends with imperfection! So true and a great reminder!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Good tips, Daisy. Now more than ever I am understanding the meaning of multitasking in my own life:)
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
Very nice tips. Would love it if you could check out my latest lookbook!
Kisses xo | From Aliona With Love
I like the tip about being fully present. I need to work on that more.
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
I couldn’t survive if I didn’t multi-task! I have no choice with two very busy/active kids and husband. Oh, and I always WRITE my lists down on paper instead of putting everything on my iPhone. You never know when technology will decide to fail on you!!!
I think that becoming friends with imperfection is uber important. Perfection is truly nonexistent and constantly striving for it only creates anxiety. such a great list.
These are great tips. I’m pretty darn terrible at multi-tasking, I must admit. I could use some work.
Another great post. It’s amazing if you list out everything you do in a week, it’s always long and if you’re looking ahead, can be overwhelming! One of my strong points has always been multitasking and couldn’t agree with your tips more. Learning to let go of perfection is a big one, dwelling on tiny details too much, will stress you out and slow you down, I have a few friends I’m telling that to all the time.
Brooke
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Great tips Daisy! I think learning to successfully multi-task is a must, but I’m still working on it 🙂
Shannon
A great list! Ha, I’m a pretty big fan of lists and often keep one when I have more than usual going on. Even if I don’t refer back to it, it helps to know that everything is all in one place should I forget.
I’m the ultimate multi-tasker. Although I break one of the rules, haha. Right now I’m working while watching TV (the joys of working from home)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Such helpful tips! I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately, but have found that putting my phone away when I get home definitely helps me get out of work mode. I love your tip to become friends with imperfection. I think we are all too hard on ourselves sometimes 🙂
lovejoanna.com
I love this and can use it in my daily life and future, I tend to take on to many things at once and can sometimes get a bad mood or over loaded. Sorry I have been MIA love!!
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
These are fantastic tips! In school, I always made sure to do whatever was due next first thing. I try to follow that same philosophy in life, too! Whatever is highest priority needs to get done first. But I love what you said about the life giving priorities coming first, too! So good.
Oh wow, I love these tips! I do try to multitask a lot and it’s not healthy sometimes – I get unfocused and frustrated! But I try to take things one step at a time and accept any mistakes I make (though, as a perfectionist, it’s very hard!) and use those mistakes to learn and do better.
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
I love this post Daisy! Life can get so busy, especially this time of year, and it is so useful to have tips on how to handle it all! I am definitely a big list maker, I have a list for everything and that really helps me!
Have a great Wednesday!
XO,
Emily
http://Www.idodeclareblog.com
I am such a terrible multitasker. My husband is amazing at it. I definitely need a list otherwise I get too distracted on what I’m doing!
Amazing tips, Daisy! I struggled when I first started blogging with multitasking but I’ve since learned that I’ll burn out quick if I try to do too much! I love that saying, good enough is good enough–it’s SO true!
Love this….I’m a huge multitasked (as is most everybody). Your tips are spot on. I can never survive without a list or imperfection. Both are my signature items. 😉
Amazing post, Daisy! It’s crazy to think about how much we actually have going on when we actually sit down to think about it. Sometimes important things fall to the back of our minds when we get busy multitasking. I especially resonated with #1, prioritizing the most life-giving thing. That’s truly blowing my mind right now and I’m excited to reflect more about that! Thanks for sharing such awesome thoughts, girl! 🙂
To be honest, this post hits me hard. I have been struggling ever since moving here, it’s a huge change for me and no, it’s not just a different country but everything is different for me. It’s hard to not have everything goes the way I want it to be. From having a great job to a full time mum, I tried to do everything, too proud to ask for help and in the end I got so frustrated when nothing gets done the way I want it to be. It caused a lot of tension between hubby and I for a while. It’s better now because I’ve learned to ‘just let it be’, the house doesn’t need to be squeaky clean all the time, it’s okay to have toys on the floor, the oven doesn’t need to have something everyday and the blog can wait. 🙂
Reflection of Sanity
Hello beautiful Daisy! Your post got to me when I needed it the most. I went to bed super late last night working on my blog (which I love doing!), need to get ready for work and I am late! Have a couple of baskets of laundry I need to put away…. and the list goes on and on but like you, I have learned not to let all that take may peace away. It is my goal to stay in the present as much as I can and enjoy the moment. My mind likes to wonder all the time and be somewhere else but I am getting better at not letting it take control of my life. You are so beautiful and smart and I love reading all your post. I love your blog so much so please don’t stop blogging!!!! I believe God puts people in your life for a reason and you are one of them:-) Sincerely, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Great tips 🙂
xx
http://www.theblackblush.blogspot.pt
Thanks for these tips, definitely need ’em! #3 – I’m not a natural list maker and often just carry to-dos in my head “because I can” but that really is an unnecessary weight and stress. Writing tasks and reminders down instead of trying to remember them is definitely an awesome tip 🙂
Great and informative post, you never fail at delivering great content Daisy. These tips are really helpful, I agree with them all. I have to work more on being ‘fully there’. It’s hard to put that phone away when you have emails to reply to! Also becoming friends with imperfection… is very tough. I am my own worst critic, and when something is less than perfect I do not let myself forget it! But thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to not be perfect! 🙂
Asking for help is such a big one! And something that I do struggle with! x
How right you are that life itself often does require multitasking! I think your tip about prioritizing what is most “life-giving” among your tasks is key–because when you can’t decide what to prioritize, that can paralyze you.
I am such a multitasker!! Love this post 🙂
XOXO
Roxanne Carmen
http://www.myfashionontherox.com