There's been a whole ton of arguing about whether multitasking is really useful or not. Some people may refer to it by different names, or write a book about it, let you figure it out for yourself, write scientific papers on it, the list goes on and on. It seems to me, though that more people view it as a virus than a godsend.
I'd like to provide a different perspective.
I think multitasking has both pros and cons. Obviously, for some combinations of tasks (like, say, talking on the phone and driving) it can be dangerous or doesn't work too well. However, multitasking can be the solution. One just needs to identify the time for multitasking and the time for focusing on one activity. You could be talking on the phone and cleaning the kitchen at the same time - I've found it kills two birds with one stone. How about listening to the news and editing pictures? Or even something as mundane as eating and talking (though not exactly at the same time, I'd hope)?
You just need to ask yourself if it's safe (see above example on phones), if it's important, and if it takes a whole lot of brain power. I can't do taxes and talk on the phone at the same time, or surf the Internet and watch TV simultaneously.
So, next time you read another one of those endless multitasking articles, maybe take it with a grain of salt. Use your head and make the most of it!
9/1/08
Some more sites...
Since today is Labor Day (or Labour Day if you're reading this in Canada), I thought I'd give you a little bit of work-related tips. Here are some new sites I've found and some associated articles that I've found useful. We'll be back to our completely original, normal programming on Thursday, I have some great stuff coming up.
- Pick the Brain (a very cool article about procrastination)
- Dumb Little Man (my favorite here)
- 43 Folders (and the famous Inbox Zero)
8/28/08
Wow - I've been busy!
Hello readers, sorry about this apparent "break" I've been taking. I just got bombarded with work. Maybe an upcoming article about prioritizing with this as a reference...
Anyway, I have a new site for you. It's a productivity blog that I've really been enjoying recently - Zen Habits. The stuff written here is exactly what the Unexpected Perspective model is about - working, playing, and traveling hard. I've sifted through the last couple months of posts and picked out my favorites.
Hopefully I'll be back on schedule on Monday. Until then, have a great weekend!
Anyway, I have a new site for you. It's a productivity blog that I've really been enjoying recently - Zen Habits. The stuff written here is exactly what the Unexpected Perspective model is about - working, playing, and traveling hard. I've sifted through the last couple months of posts and picked out my favorites.
Hopefully I'll be back on schedule on Monday. Until then, have a great weekend!
8/21/08
ChangingMinds.org
Just found out about this great website, ChangingMinds.org. ChangingMinds.org is the world's largest free, full-content site on all aspects on how we change what others think, believe, feel, and do.
If you've ever had trouble getting your point across or getting people to listen to you, this is an invaluable resource. ChangingMinds.org shows you how to change the way you are perceived and therefore get further and do more. Will all the "techniques" on this site work for you? Probably not. But I've found them to be very helpful in changing the way I talk to people and get things done.
Here's a little preview of ChangingMinds.org:
If you've ever had trouble getting your point across or getting people to listen to you, this is an invaluable resource. ChangingMinds.org shows you how to change the way you are perceived and therefore get further and do more. Will all the "techniques" on this site work for you? Probably not. But I've found them to be very helpful in changing the way I talk to people and get things done.
Here's a little preview of ChangingMinds.org:
8/18/08
Want to Work for Unexpected Perspective?
We're looking for a motivated writer who loves to maximize their performance in life, travel, and work. Knowledge and/or experience with Google AdSense is a plus.
Contact unexpectedperspective@gmail.com for more details and a sample article of 200-400 words.
Thanks to our loyal readers!
Contact unexpectedperspective@gmail.com for more details and a sample article of 200-400 words.
Thanks to our loyal readers!
8/14/08
Music or Not?
I'm one of those people who absolutely completely cannot tolerate any sound whatsoever while working or reading. However, when I'm cleaning, drawing or photographing, it's nice to have something to listen to. Hmmm, is there something wrong with my brain? :)
Music may inspire you, or it may distract you from your work. For some people, it depends what type of music - classical might be OK, while rap is off-limits.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what kind? Sound off in the comments.
Want to learn more? Read this related article from Lifehack.
Music may inspire you, or it may distract you from your work. For some people, it depends what type of music - classical might be OK, while rap is off-limits.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what kind? Sound off in the comments.
Want to learn more? Read this related article from Lifehack.
8/11/08
Productivity Enhancing
No, no, this won't involve any questionable drugs or injections. Follow these steps to jump-start your productivity.
- Whack yourself! Roger von Oech's book A Whack on the Side of the Head and similar self-help books (isn't it horrible when they have to be filed under that?) can help you work your way through problems and get you out of your normal routine.
- Find your time. Are you a morning person or a night owl? For instance, I get no work done at about 8-10 am. I work best before 6 in the morning and between 2-5 pm. Find out when works for you and put your tasks inside of that time frame.
- Force yourself. To be creative, to get the job done, to do something!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
