It is said that the human brain is not meant for multitasking. Contrary to this my boss thought the ability to multitask denoted efficiency and speed. However, I was also witness to his making blunders in a bid to reach the finishing line within a slim timeline.
My mother always forbade me to do anything else while keeping something on the stove to cook. Of late I have found it hard to focus on multiple tasks at the same time, especially, reading the Newspaper while the milk is put to a boil on the gas stove. The milk invariably condenses to half its quantity by the time I remember checking on it. That has made me buy a Milk Cooker. Its shrill whistle at boiling point can even wake up the dead.
The other day a persistent burning smell made me scoff at my neighbour. I was glad that I was not the only forgetful resident in the Block. However, a chance peep into the kitchen proved me wrong. A narrow escape from an explosion made me take a vow to singularly focus on the job in hand.
In fact, multitasking implies doing multiple tasks at the same time which in turn means not focussing enough on one particular job. I guess this habit itself can be the cause of the attention deficit that we all suffer from in today’s times. Or it can be the other way round as well. We suffer from attention deficiency which is why we are unable to do several jobs at the same time. Whichever way it may be, it is better to concentrate on one single task, absorb in the moment, complete it satisfactorily and then move on to the next.
I see young jobbers with ear pods on listening to music or chatting while feverishly tapping away on the keypad. When we were small all our activities were slotted. Mornings were for study or for school if it were a week day, breaks were for partaking meals or for other daily routine works, afternoons we napped or read a book, evenings were playtime, returning home we did our homework, the family met at the dinner table at night whereafter we either listened to the radio or read a book before going off to sleep. Though my sister said it was relaxing for her to listen to soft music while doing the sums for me it was an absolute no no as music always distracted me.
Post retirement, I have again slotted my day to day chores as per convenience. If something seems tough and taxing I break it down to bits and pieces. As my esteemed co-blogger Nusrat puts it one gentle step at a time. But it’s taken me pretty long to adopt a slow pace though lifestyle management experts say that sedentary living is the root cause of many ailments.
In contrast, three years back I was given to working at a breakneck speed so much so that it often felt like I was racing against time. Managing the house and office simultaneously was not easy. I worked non-stop even during lunch break, while commuting to and from the office and even waking up in the dead of the night. My colleagues accused me of being a workaholic.
But as life took a three hundred and sixty degree turn last year I realised that pacing out was as much necessary as delivering outputs without rest. But much before that I had been suffering from acute mental and physical exhaustion. I guess I was burned out. So when my seniors suggested that I continue in my present assignment for a while even after retirement I had put down my foot and said no.
In hindsight it was the best decision I could have ever taken though it meant foregoing a continued source of income.
Good 👍
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Thank you 🙏🙏
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🙏
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Here’s a long read for you 🙂
I too was a chronic “milk-burner!” I would invariably get distracted the moment I put the milk on to boil. Once I started earning, I switched to Tetra Packs, so that jhamela is settled for good.
There are stages in life where multitasking isn’t a choice, but a survival mechanism. I’ve lived through several such phases: starting work early, establishing a household, and even balancing a full-time career while pursuing higher studies at IIT Delhi. Transitioning into entrepreneurship was the next big shift, but motherhood is what truly made multitasking a permanent state of being.
I’m still in the thick of it today. My days are a constant overlap of professional responsibilities, like client meetings and presentations, and personal commitments, from homeschooling and tennis practices to cooking and hosting weekly get-togethers for my elderly neighbours.
With summer vacations approaching, I’m even being nudged to resume the Young Storytellers Club and am currently looking for like-minded partners to come onboard. While these tasks can’t always be neatly “slotted,” I do my best to give each one the justice it deserves.
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Firstly, I am very impressed. So many accomplishments!!! Once my life also pivoted around multitasking. But past the stage of accomplishments I am now more into seeking contentment. Having said that I am intrigued by the concept of Young Storytellers Club. Pray elaborate.
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Thank you so much, Geeta Ji! Since you asked for it 🙂
About Young Storytellers Club:
Young Storytellers Club is a research-driven program designed to boost children’s communication skills through storytelling, creative expression, and performance. I developed it after several open-house sessions with parents who were concerned about their children’s lack of interest in reading, social withdrawal, or behavioral challenges in public. I also spent time gathering insights directly from the children to understand their perspective.
Using those insights, I created a program that gives kids a ‘free hand’ to express themselves within a structured, guided framework that I manage personally. While the kids get the freedom to imagine the weirdest things and express them in whatever way they feel most comfortable, I ensure they stay supported within that framework.
In our last season, many parents traveled from a distance but struggled with the commute. To solve this, I am now looking for partners, could be interested parents, who can organize a group of 10–12 children at the primary school level and provide a child-friendly space. She would spread the word in her community using materials I provide, and I will handle the actual delivery of the program. And There is, of course, a clear business proposition for this infrastructure collaboration.
you can read about the program here as well: https://chetnazpage.wordpress.com/young-storytellers-club/
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Very interesting. All the best. You can approach schools to lend you space during weekends when the school is closed.
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Geeta ji, I truly admire the ‘slow pace’ you’ve adopted post-retirement. While my current life feels like a whirlwind of overlapping tasks, your words are a gentle reminder that there is a season for everything. Perhaps one day, I too will find that same peace in slotting my chores and breaking them into ‘bits and pieces,’ just as you and Nusrat have suggested. Thank you for sharing such a grounded perspective on lifestyle management!
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The slowness is, I suppose, a part of wisdom gained out of experience. To be honest I still miss my earlier form but again this life has given me so much I missed out in my hustle and bustle. And to say that I will do this tomorrow is the rarest of rare pleasures.
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Great post Geeta. The way you’ve expressed this really resonated. Your images as well are absolutely delightful.
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Thank you Rohini so very much
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You’re welcome friend
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I think you made the right decision. And I too have realized that multitasking is not for me. It can easily end in disaster
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I’ve never been a multitasker, but recently I was overwhelmed when several things came at once
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Yes that happens and produces stress. More so if you adhere to a well paced out life. But once in a while it’s ok. After every such bout of stress I take long rests to bring back the rhythm of life.
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Beautifully written and deeply relatable.
The way you connect everyday experiences with the idea of focus vs multitasking is very insightful.
Your personal anecdotes make the message both engaging and meaningful.
It’s a gentle reminder to slow down and be present in what we do.
Truly inspiring—one step at a time is the way forward.
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Thank you very much Maha. I am glad that the post resonates with you.
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It has been almost 2 years since I voluntarily retired from my job, looking back I wonder how I was managing my job,kids,joint family,relations etc.
I remember how I used to work like a Robot in the morning in order to complete the chores,leav almost 40 km in publi
.
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complete the chores,leave at 8 a.m ,travelled almost 40 km to reach the school.
Often while multitasking,the goddess with many arms came to my mind,I felt I had many arms like her and that is why I could do so many tasks in a limited time.
Today also I manage my home,but there is no stress,the greatest relief being,Nusrat, Don’t rush,you are a human being,not my Robot.
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I was in the same boat but we did not know each other then. Now we do and we shall both take gentle steps at a time.
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Jee ley apnee zindagi,Geeta
God Bless You,sending prayers for your good health
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Thank you Nusrat. I wish the same for you.
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Thanks 🙏
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I also have less ability to multi-task now. I’m easily distracted and sent off-course. I tell myself, “Focus. Focus. Focus.”
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That happens with me as well Mary. It’s better to concentrate on one job at a time.
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I totally resonated with your very insightful post, Ma’am! Culturally, we are expected to multi-task and stay productive all the time. It is equally important, as you rightly noted, to honor rest and moments of quiet pause in life. Take care.
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Quite true Deeptangshu. These are the realisations which come with age.
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I am also not a multi-tasker. Hence I can understand the essence of this post. And I must say, your decision is prudent.
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Thank you very much Mathur Sahab. Fact remains in my work-life I have seen a big comparison between those who could multitask and those who couldn’t.
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Whenever I need to focus on doing a thing intellectually, it must be quiet. No music. But, if I am just lazily doing it, music is good.
I’m 30s, but forgetful. How much more when I get old.😁🤩
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Forgetfulness is a habit. You’ve got to find ways to remember. Yes, when I have to focus I need silence.
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I’ve noticed it when I’m in a hurry always.🤭
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Yes, that’s also a type of stress. When I feel like that I tell myself to slow down.
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Yeah, my body reminds me.🤭
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