Doing Two Things At Once

Doing Two Things At Once

Use this time management technique with caution

 

A classic example of performing two tasks at the same time took place on the train from New York to Connecticut. A management consultant, observing people wasting time doing nothing or engaging in low-priority tasks such as reading during the long commute to work, decided to start a commuter classroom. He offered courses in everything from history to accounting in a special car, even awarding college credits for successful completion. This college on rails combined two essential activities, commuting and self-development.

 

Many people spend more time waiting in supermarket lines than they have spent in schools getting an education. Which brings up the time management technique of combining two activities to save time. Are there any jobs that you can perform simultaneously?

 

Before you run off and start eating breakfast while jogging through the park, be warned that certain activities should not be paired. And although scientists claim certain tasks can be performed simultaneously because they use different sides of the brain, seldom can both tasks be performed as efficiently. People who promote "a book in every bathroom" probably spend twice as long in the bathroom. And stapling papers while watching TV is great until an attention-demanding scene results in a stapled left thumb.

 

Usually things that are so simplistic they can be performed by rote, or things that require the attention of different senses, such as peeling potatoes while listening to tapes, are okay. But even then you may find yourself peeling the same potato twice. So keep in mind the impact of an error. Using the cellular phone while manipulating your way through traffic, for instance, could have disastrous consequences.

 

For a great majority of people, waiting time could be put to productive use. For example, the Roper Organization asked the question, "What would you do with four extra hours a day?" A whopping 33 percent said they would spend the time reading (Psychology Today, Jan/Feb, 1989). This reveals the importance of reading in the minds of a third of the individuals polled. And yet it is being neglected due to and evident lack of time. Another survey conducted by Elys McLeand-Ibrahim and reported in USA Today indicated that 16% of men and 12% of women don't read any books at all. 21% of men and 17% of women read three books or fewer each year. This is sad if they indeed want to read but simply don't have the time. It is a matter of combining activities. They should utilize travel time, commuting time, waiting time etc., for reading. If they could utilize an hour of waiting time each day reading books, an hour each day over a ten-year period would provide over 3,650 hours of reading time. A lot of books could be read in that period of time.

 

Although some waiting time could not be utilized for anything, many hours of wasted time could be salvaged with a little planning. Anticipate the likelihood of a long wait and be prepared to combine the wait with an activity that might otherwise be neglected. If we indeed spend five years of our lives in line-ups, let's at least make that time count.

 

Here are some examples of tasks that some people claim can be performed simultaneously. You may have your own favorites. But make sure they do save you time. Dragging out the jobs, or correcting errors, or missing vital information, or becoming involved in a safety problem or injury could quickly wipe out any time saved.

 

v      Dispensing with junk mail while on the telephone or watching TV.

v      Stapling papers or collating reports while listening to tapes or the radio.

v      Using a car phone while driving on a highway or waiting in a parked car.

v      Listening to educational tapes while driving or commuting via train, bus, subway.

v      Reading or listening to tapes while exercising (stationary bicycle, jogging.)

v      Planning while doing menial tasks such as cleaning the garage, making beds.

v      Dictating reports, to-do lists, ideas, etc,. while driving, jogging, or walking.

v      Doing mini-exercises and stretches while in meetings or working at a desk.

v      Thinking, planning, formulating speeches or articles while in the shower or bath.

v      Reading magazine articles or working on paperwork while waiting in doctors' offices.

v      Planning the day while walking or driving to work.

v      There are many more, such as cleaning the bathtub while taking a shower, or memorizing scripture or poetry while doing housework; but you get the idea.

 

If it works for you, do it; but be aware of any consequences.