Lately, I've been picking up on a new wave of thinking that is downplaying the practice of multi-tasking. People are discovering that in their attempts to get a lot done, sometimes more chaos is created and more challenges arise. An example can be trying to cook while also being on the phone and doing laundry. I'm sure someone reading this has perhaps burned dinner because they got distracted by a phone call, or they went to fold laundry and forgot the stove was on.

As a seasoned multi-tasker (“seasoned” meaning I've been doing it for a long time, not that it is always successful for me!) I am challenged by this new wave of thinking (some call it "uni-tasking.") However, I have my doubts that swinging the time management pendulum from one extreme to the other is the best way to go. I think there is a middle-ground that can be a healthy place.

The idea of multi-tasking is to have several things going on at once. The idea of single, or uni, tasking is to focus on one thing at a time. Let me pitch to you a compromise: parallel tasking. Parallel tasking is the concept of doing two things at once, but with intentionality toward them complementing each other, not distracting from one another. Common sense and safety are key components of this idea, as well as the idea of task clusters mentioned in an earlier post. To parallel task, simply think of two things you can be doing at a time, and ask the following questions:

Are these two tasks in the same general vicinity? Ideally, doing another kitchen-related task while waiting for water to boil works better than leaving the kitchen to check email in another room.

Can these two tasks complement one another? If the task is self-running for a period of time, like downloading and installing software, can I do some filing or organizing in my workspace at the same time?

Can I do both things safely? Talking/texting on the cell phone while driving is a NO but perhaps listening to Scripture or an audio book or message may be a YES if you can concentrate well on driving while listening.

Am I mixing a "task" opportunity with a "people" opportunity? The previous example of folding clothes while on the phone can be bad or good depending on the relationship and the purpose of the interaction and how much concentration you require for clothes-folding. It is generally better not to try mixing a task requiring concentration with having a conversation. However, some tasks lend themselves well to being with people (like going out shopping for something you need and bringing a friend along, or walking/running together, or cooking together.)

Will doing these two tasks at the same time add to, or relieve, my mental clutter? Listening to a podcast while cooking should probably not become mentally overwhelming, but trying to help your child with homework while simultaneously cooking might! Especially if they are learning something you are not strong at!

So, I submit that neither multi-tasking nor uni-tasking are the answer. Both can, in fact, be unrealistic. But parallel tasking of no more than two things at once, that are related, complementary, and in vicinity of one another, is an opportunity to redeem time well without overtaxing your brain and emotions. Print This