It didn't take long for the insanity to creep in. Of course, if you ask Andy, that's because I'm already on the edge of insanity as it is. This task may be the thing that pushes me over the edge.
TRUTH: Giving up multi-tasking is going to be MUCH more difficult than I anticipated.
Andy and the kids went to the pool. My mom went to Plain City to spend time with friends. Austin slept. I was virtually alone. The perfect time to be productive, right? I sat at my computer and was instantly deafened by the silence. No tv. No music. Silence. That was challenge number one. Only it wasn't exactly silent. I had was the usual buzz of my brain telling me all the things I have to do. Seriously, my brain needs to have a glass of wine and settle down.
I sat at my computer prepping photos for a client meeting. I chose 10 or so photos to edit and style. While they were loading into Photoshop which takes all of a few seconds, my eyes were darting around my desk and my brain was in overdrive. I could file those receipts. I need to paint that frame. I need to check in these photos. I need to put that thank you note on my bulletin board. I need a manicure. I need a pedicure. How painful is bikini waxing? Wonder if Kate's in labor yet. What should I make for dinner? Oooh. I really like that photo. I should address that envelope. Ugh. Need to mail a card to my nephew.... And yes... that all popped into my brain in a mere matter of seconds.
I started bargaining with myself. Like an alcoholic claiming to only be a social drinker, I started rationalizing reasons why I could multi-task and it "wouldn't be a problem". Instinct... Habit said to go ahead... multi-task. Do one of those things in the seconds the photos take to upload. But... I... resisted... It took more self control than eating just one potato chip but I did it. I closed my eyes instead and just took deep breaths. No matter how deep those breaths, the brain kept on buzzing and so... Like the age old chicken or egg debate, I began to wonder, which came first multi-tasking or distraction? Which is the real problem? Do I multi-task because I'm distracted? Or, am I distracted because I multi-task. What do you think?
So... Solution #1 to help me in this process was to remove distractions. I cleared the top of my desk of most of the distractions. I say most because I have a lack of storage issue in my office but that's a whole 'nother blog post/problem to tackle. Once I cleared the visual clutter, I was more able to concentrate but it was still very clear to me that my multi-tasking habits are deeply ingrained. Quickly, I'm realizing it might be easier to give up chocolate during PMS.
If it weren't for the fact that I think I'll be a better person for this... If it weren't for the fact that this touched a nerve with several of my friends... I'd give up. So... we're moving forward.
It's Monday. There is only one tab open on my computer. My cell phone is... well, I don't know at the moment. I think I got distracted and put it down somewhere but it's not right next to me so I won't be tempted to text my friends or play Candy Crush. I have my 'to do' list prepped and ready. Let's do this!
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