Over achieving has become a rite of passage in this day and age and it’s no surprise that killing two birds with one stone is the first resort for many. Time has been embedded as a currency and its demand almost surpasses that of money.
However, like money, when it comes to time, the ultimate goal is to do more with less, and that’s where multi-tasking comes in.
It won’t enable you to be in two places at once, but multi-tasking is the wayward solution that will get you as fathomably close to that as possible. Various studies are in favor of either side of the analogy, for example listening to an audiobook as you clean the house is definitely ideal, but how far can you stretch the limit before it all comes crashing down?
Much like big spenders, serial multi-taskers are always up to finding new outlets for their time. The need to be productive at all times is all consuming and often paired with making time for things they love. The clock may run out, but their insatiable urge to do it all is ever present.
Sandrine Uwase had to work as a taxi driver and as a part time babysitter to make ends meet but when she got the opportunity to work on an art project with a professional, she couldn't resist the urge to take it on despite already having so little time to spare.
She says she got more work done than she thought possible and doing something she was passionate about made waking somewhat chipper, but the toll it had on her was severely redacted sleep time which gradually lowered the quality of her work.
Necessity or choice?
Multiple tasks also mean multiple jobs or responsibilities and people take them on for different reasons.
If you’re at the beginning stages of a career for example, indulging in different aspects of it will help you get well acquainted with the craft and equip you with skills that are valuable in the long haul, according to Serge Nzaramba who also believes that its better to have dipped your toes in different pools than find yourself in a space you can’t navigate with ease because you passed up on complementary skills in the name of keeping your focus on one thing.
Studies have shown that multi-tasking for either choice or necessity is counter-productive citing that doing too many things in one sitting does not account for efficiency.
A head start on every activity on the agenda is an undeniable benefit, however attempting to cheat time without having your priorities in order might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.