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Testing the Ability to Multitask
For a long time the standard thought was that a person could get more done in a day by doing several tasks at a time. As an example, one could use their time set aside for exercise to listen to an audiobook on personal development while out for a brisk walk or run. I thought I was pretty good at it: I could get a family meal going as well as starting laundry or sort mail or check off one of many items on my daily to-do list.
How life changes things. In my new-found career as caregiver to my in-laws, I have managed to start tasks, like the ones above, and not complete them. What is worse is that I don’t seem to complete the ones that are most important to me. What I found that was not getting checked off the list was doing any significant writing.
This is a test. I have been on hold for 25 minutes, waiting for the DMV to answer a simple question about a vehicle title issue. I was told the hold time would be six minutes. Rather than spending the time skimming through social media or checking email, load the dishwasher, or move laundry, I have decided to start and complete this post.
Not infrequently, I have had anywhere from four to six activities going on simultaneously. If you consider managing the daily activities for two nonagenarians, one preschooler once a week, an overworked spouse who can’t manage to take care of routine business…
