For years I have prided myself on my proficiency in the art of multi-tasking. A busy Mom might list on her resumé the following skills: Menu planning, baking, laundry expert, tutor, taxi driver, counselor, personal shopper, and all of these duties are performed simultaneously without error. Once developed, the ability to keep multiple tasks running becomes second nature. Start a load of laundry, mix up a batch of cookies, call the doctor’s office to schedule check-ups, open the mail, pay the bills, empty the dishwasher, go for a run, put the clothes in the dryer, shower, start dinner, pick up the kids, give them a snack, take them to soccer practice/ballet class/religious education. A typical day, circa 2003.
To this day, I have maintained the multi-tasking talent. I not only get on the elliptical machine for an hour long workout, but also listen to music AND read a book at the same time. When driving to and from my place of work and home (a mere 7 minute drive), I check email/messages/instagram while stopped at a traffic light. I FaceTime with grandchildren and clear out my inbox. Every morning I take my blood pressure while reading devotions/writing in my journal. Walk the dog and talk to my parents. It has felt for a long time as though I cannot breathe unless I am performing no less than two tasks at once.
But why? I no longer have children to usher to and from school, or to usher anywhere for that matter…not even out into the world to begin adulthood. That is a responsibility that is finished, off my plate, done. I currently have the luxury to address my to-do list one item at a time. So why is that soooo difficult? Why am I seemingly incapable of focusing on a single task?
My theory is that after years of run-run-running, my brain needs to learn to slow down. I have to acquire the skill of deliberate engagement with an activity by practice. Obviously when I’m working I must multi-task out of necessity—roll out a pie crust while waiting for the pasta water to boil, chop vegetables while the pie is in the oven—I would have to work around the clock in order to prepare all the meals in a timely manner if I didn’t combine the to-dos. But as time management pertains to the rest of my life, I want to relearn the art of Single Tasking.
“I work best under pressure” — the lie I told myself in high school/college when I completed my essay assignments 5 hours before they were due at 8am. I’m done with the mindset that gleans pride in my ability to complete three different projects at once. My goal now is to think like a toddler who may be singularly focused on building the tallest tower of blocks or magnatiles ever. There is no other thought that crosses her mind while she is concentrating on her pièce de résistance. I too, can develop the capacity to simply sit in the sun. Walk the dog. Eat a meal. Take a nap. Read a book. Catch up with a friend. I do not need a manual to figure this out, I’ll simply start by taking it a day at a time.