Is your multi-tasking talent doing you harm? You’ve heard the old saying, ‘Work smarter, not harder.” Everyone today is trying to get an edge—do more in less time. Unfortunately, some of the advice we’re getting from the ‘seminar gurus’ just isn’t proven in reality. Latest statistics and studies show exactly what we’re doing that’s hindering our productivity. In my next three blogs, I’ll give you three surprising areas to look at in your own life that will get you better results—and a better life.
1. Quit Trying to Multi-Task Because You’re Taxing that Brain
I know. I know. We are compulsively ‘multi-tasking’ our hearts out—trying to get more done in less time. We exercise and listen to our iPod while we’re watching a video! We’re proud of being able to do 2-3 things at once. We just don’t know how that’s hurting us from actually achieving our goals. Here’s the problem. When our brains are busy, we don’t retain information. The brain needs ‘down time’ to translate a pattern of new activity into a persistent memory, according to University of California scientists.
Take a Walk in the Woods
University of Michigan scientists showed that people learned significantly better after a walk in nature than after a walk in a dense urban environment. So, exercise, but do it without the media stimulation—and exercise outside, if you can.
Observation: Have you noticed how some people are ‘gadget junkies’? They spend all their time gathering the newest gadgets, learning them, and using them. The end game: Gadgets rule their lives, not their goals and achievements.
Put Down the Gadgets and Think
One danger I see today is people’s inability to think in a linear fashion. Oh, I know—it’s great to be creative and ‘fire’ on all brain cylinders. But, what about those times when you want to think through a problem? When you want to create a plan? The ability to focus and think through complex issues is really important to real estate success today. So, before you multi-task and gadget yourself to death, stop, look, and listen. You’ll get further faster—ultimately.
