Hi-
My name is Marnee and I am a recovering juggler. Not the kind of juggler of balls or pins, but of tasks.
Here is what happened that enlightened me as to why I needed to reform my ways. You see I was rushing to get back to the office on a chilly afternoon (yes, here in South Florida) and decided to make tea. As the kettle’s whistle was blowing, I was thinking about my afternoon, dealing with the dinner I was going to make that evening, watching the birds in the backyard, wondering if the dogs had enough water in their bowl, and so on….all while I was pouring the hot water into my large insulated cup. Yep, I scalded myself and ended up with 2nd-degree burns across the back (top) of my fingers/hand. Just super!
You see, many of us often believe that in our fast-paced world, multitasking is a super skill that promises increased productivity. However, the constant juggling act can have adverse effects on our work quality, mental health, and physical health- Hello My Hand!
Contrary to popular belief, true multitasking is a myth. One’s attempt to rapidly switch attention between tasks can actually lead to decreased overall performance and an increase in errors. Multitasking can compromise the quality of our work and everyday life. My injury has required me to slow down and re-evaluate this practice of multitasking.
Here are 4 concepts to help us all de-juggle :
- Prioritize Tasks: Focus on completing one important task at a time for a more thorough and thoughtful approach to task completion.
- Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can achieve in a given timeframe to reduce pressure.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce stress. I think of this of intention and attention.
- Learn to Delegate: Understand that you can’t do everything on your own!!! Delegating tasks improves overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Soooo, juggling much may seem like a shortcut to productivity, but it often leads to a decline in work quality, increased stress…and a burnt hand. In 2024, I am committed to prioritizing, setting realistic goals, practicing mindfulness, and delegating tasks! These 4 concepts are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between productivity and well-being. Remember, it’s not about how many tasks we can juggle but how well we can handle the ones that truly matter.
The past few weeks with less use of my hand has definitely made me focus and be present- with less juggling. Will you join me and juggle less?
xoxo,
Marnee