Ok, so we have lots to do and I don’t multitask – I know I don’t. My hubby on the other hand is rather proud of the fact that he can and I guess as a chef he’s had to (although I say he can’t).
However I read with interest that some of the best musicians avoid multitasking because it is felt doing so actually confuses the mind and leads to a lot more jobs that don’t really get done very well – poor productivity – I’ll tell hubby that!
Fail to Plan…Plan to Fail
On the contrary, some of the finest musicians plan their practice very carefully, and almost clinically – they plan what time they will sit down to start practicing and ensure that is the time they do indeed start.
They plan what they’re going to practice, often tackling the most difficult pieces first, but new to me, and importantly, they also plan when they’re going to stop for a break. They allow a regular 90 minute slot of practicing then take a 20 minute break, another 90 minutes and 20 minute break and so forth.
The point of such a regimen is that it’s targeted and specific. In this case, the musician has a very specific target and structures the day to achieve it in the best way they can.
Applying this in Business
I know some wonderful business people who really adhere to a routine and have found a great balance between business, relaxation and pleasure. Starting with their early morning routine, they plan the time they’re going to get up, when and what they will have for breakfast and what time they will be at their desk.
They set an achievable task for that particular day which they can finish.
Find Your Routine
Of course everyone is different and what works for one might not work for another, but settling down to work when you’re feeling good about yourself and more relaxed also helps and can greatly improve productivity.
More recently I have been lucky enough to work from abroad and choose the evening to work because it gets dark quite early. I decide what I’m going to have for supper, when I’m going to eat and when I’m going to settle down to work.
If I get one thing wrong I have to admit its that I do tend to forget to stop and I think that’s just as bad as not getting down to start.
I’ve also recently been practicing Yoga and a morning routine of a shower (I can’t do much without freshening up) a glass of fresh orange juice and a banana followed by 45 minutes of Yoga, sets me up as though I’m ready to fight any battle that comes my way and that could be sitting down to write as specifically as 8.30am!
So the message… preparedness, planning, structure, rest time and noting achievements – try it, I’m certain you’ll feel better about things. And don’t forget to let me know how you get on.