WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking

Guest post by: Judy Martin
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking - By Judy Martin

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

WorkLife Flexibility Primer: Tips on Making it Happen

WorkLife Serenity: Cold Turkey Style

What is flexible working anyway?

Life Balance What Is It

Multitasking-the Myth

Eye on the Ball

The Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done

Ten Top Tips To Achieve Work and Personal Life Balance - From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach

Mega-Trend: WorkLife Initiatives Take Hold

Lessins Lessons for Life Balance

Great at Multitasking? Well, That’s a Bummer!

Sensory Overload

Putting an End to the Fallacy of Multitasking

Multitasking Puts Your Brain on Information Overload [Infographic]

Time Management – Time for Quiet Reflection

Multitasking is Out, Pinpointed FOCUS is IN!

Leadership Success Strategy - Your Winning Leadership Formula to a Balanced Life

The Myth of Balance

Nine Steps to Balancing Your Life

Networking for Results that Balance Your Give and Take

Home > Work-Life > Judy Martin > WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multitasking > Google +

Free PDF Download
WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking - By Judy Martin

About the Author: Judy Martin

RSS for Judy's articles - Visit Judy's website
Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Judy Martin, is a reporter and public speaker who communicates on worklife culture, and gives an objective voice to social concerns, business news and the delicate balance of living and working with purpose, in an era of great uncertainty and chaos. Judy is a national radio contributor whose work has been heard on NPR News, The World, BBC Radio 3, The World Vision Report and The Marketplace Morning Report, where she spent nearly four years in the New York City Bureau. Judy also continues her affiliation with the News 12 Television Networks as an anchor/reporter. Judy’s blogs at http://www.worklifemonitor.com which features individuals, businesses, and the latest innovative programs to integrate life and work concerns while thriving on the threshold of change. Judy balances her worklife as a volunteer for Hospice
Click here to visit Judy's website.

More from Judy Martin
WorkLife Synergy An Attorney Creates WorkLife Balance
WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multitasking
WorkLife Flexibility Primer Tips on Making it Happen
WorkLife Balance Employee Engagement
On the Search for the Flexible Working Environment

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

WorkLife Balance and the Art of Multi-tasking

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: