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WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking

Written by: Judy Martin

Article Overview: How do we separate the wheat from the chaff in our 24/7 world. Perhaps a little contemplation and a trip inward in the chaos of the day might be the place to begin. Multi-tasking might make you feel efficient, but it's not likely it's the answer to tackling workplace overload.

WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking

In the ancient agricultural harvesting practice known as winnowing, the wind was harnessed to blow away the chaff, thus leaving the grain behind for use. It made me think, how is it we distinguish the valuable from the valueless in a workday filled with multitasking?

To me, it feels that in being precise in our focus we can get to the core of that which needs to be done. We will sometimes work in the order of priority, or instead to tackle those pesky items which cause us to procrastinate on any given day. How do we reach the depth of focus needed to make such distinctions in our workplace, careers or business?

The answer I believe lies in the discipline of cultivating a stillness within ourselves that allows for more clarity when making decisions in the approach to our day. The more we practice that discipline which might come in the form of prayer, meditation, or exercise - the easier it becomes to separate the wheat from the chaff. But then there’s the dilemma of what is left behind.

To me, as we try to integrate or synergize the activities of working and living with purpose, we eventually get to those issues of less import. As I've been known to say, "if it doesn't get done today, nobody's gonna die." Being a hospice volunteer has given me a great perspective on what's really important in life, and how cumbersome it is when we sweat the small stuff.

As for relationships, whether business or personal, I actually have a different philosophy. Inevitably we must use our time wisely when determining how much of our day goes to phone calls, returning e-mails or meeting with clients or prospective business contacts. We will also tend to separate the wheat from the chaff in that way as well, giving more importance – or not- to certain people who come our way. This is where a deeper calling of awareness is called for, and here’s why; you never know the purpose of the pauper or the prodigy in your midst, as it relates to your life’s purpose or theirs. With that, here's a poem from Rumi which beautifully demonstrates my point.

This being human is a guest-house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
empty of it's furniture.

Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

RUMI

Related Articles
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  WorkLife Serenity: Cold Turkey Style
  What is flexible working anyway?
  Eye on the Ball
  Life Balance What Is It

Article Tags: business contacts, clarity, depth of focus, dilemma, discipline, distinctions, hospice volunteer, left behind, midst, pauper, poem, prayer meditation, priority, prodigy, prospective business, small stuff, stillness, wheat from the chaff, winnowing, workday



Related Forum Posts
Which is better when it comes to Multitasking? - Which is better when it comes to Multitasking? Which ones can handle better? Is it the men or women?
Re: Sources of Cash - Thanks for the help. The items will be recorded in the Balance Sheet. But why does the Balance Sheet always balances. Is there a specific reason
Re: Sources of Cash - Thank you for guidance and direction. Is there a simpler way of understanding the Balance Sheet and all the components that are to be recorded.
Re: Getting *back* to the next step - Take time out to enjoy life, family, friends before you get back to the 'next step'. I know a lot of people can lose focus on the task at hand by taking a break, but balance is key. Balance is integral to maintaining overall success in business and life!
Re: Balance - Make time for things you love - Balance in life is important, and one generally is more productive work wise when they take the occasional break to smell the roses or read a book that has nothing to do with work but is just for enjoyment. A little time spent with the family is also a worthwhile pass time. MichelleJ


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