Have you ever considered whether you are spending too much time multitasking?
Multitasking can give us the illusion that we’re being productive. After all, we’re checking off several things at once. But in reality, we may just be doing several things poorly.
I’ve been thinking about this lately in my own life. When I’m out running errands, I often listen to podcasts (e.g., episodes of Hidden Brain, The Daily, or one of the many marketing, legal, or political shows I enjoy.)
But when I’m trying to follow my shopping list while also paying attention to a podcast or listening to an audio book, I tend to make mistakes. I forget items, buy the wrong thing, or miss something entirely.
Does that happen to you? In fact sometimes, just having earphones in your ears can pull you out of the moment, even if you’re not listening to anything.
Earlier today I was at Trader Joe’s and ran into a mother I hadn’t seen in about 15 years. Our kids were friends in grade school. When she said hello, I immediately knew who she was… but I couldn’t remember her name.
She told me to send my regards to someone, and I awkwardly asked for her name. I even said, “I don’t think I ever knew your last name.”
The moment I took my AirPods out and walked out of the store, it hit me: of course I knew her last name.
Note to self: stay present when you’re out in public.
The podcast will still be there later.
And if you’re going for a walk in the woods, focus on the woods, not on your smartphone. 🌲 It’s better for your mental health.
Bonus tip: If you are on a bus or train, don’t talk loudly to someone on your phone, even if you are an “important” private equity guy talking to a colleague about a deal. At the very least, make it short. It’s obnoxious. (Yes that happened to me yesterday on an Amtrak train back from New York. Fortunately, I have noise cancelling AirPods 😜).