There are not many films that create lasting impressions and impact a generation of people, but The Karate Kid is one of those films. Ghostbusters, Gremlins, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Footloose are just a few other hits filmed and produced in 1984. But, as I said, nothing impacted people like The Karate Kid. The developing relationship between an eccentric martial arts master and a young bullied teen created so many memories. The one memory that remains is hearing Mr. Miyagi telling Daniel to focus (concentrate) while practicing his karate moves. Focus kept Daniel from being beaten in the karate tournament, and focus can help us to accomplish more! Check out the following myths!
Multi-tasking makes you more efficient
Efficiency means that you complete tasks well in a minimal amount of time. People who attempt to multitask claim that it makes them more efficient because they are able to do several tasks at once. This is not exactly true. Think of this this way. Try brushing your teeth and your hair at the same time. Can you do it? I bet you can, but not well. It is true that some people come to work looking like they tried to multitask those two activities, but in reality, it just causes both of the activities to be done poorly. Not only is your hair a mess, but your breath smells horrible! As a result, you have to do it over again separately!
Multitasking makes you more effective
Effectiveness is an attribute of completing a task well. When people try to multitask, they have a difficult time focusing intently on one task. It is difficult to focus your complete and undivided attention on one task while you think about all of the other tasks you have in your toolbox to complete. Here’s the problem. It is a matter of focus. Your effectiveness is directly related to your ability to focus on a particular task. If you have trouble focusing on a task, it is because you are distracted by things or activities, or you are distracted by other tasks. Walking and chewing gum is not so difficult, but sitting through an important meeting and trying to listen while you ponder other tasks is nearly impossible! In the words of the great and mysterious karate teacher Mr. Miyogi from The Karate Kid, “FOCUS!”
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Multitasking makes you more desirable
Some people have the idea that if they can multitask, their stock goes up and others will see them as a more desirable employee. In my opinion, this is another myth. I would rather see someone complete a task well than to have five or six different tasks spread out and only getting minimal attention. The more attention (focus) you give to a task, the more likely you are to be efficient and effective. That’s the kind of employee I want!
Multitasking makes you productive
Multitasking actually does not make you productive, only mediocre. I know that many of you will disagree with me on this, but I think it’s logical. When we fail to focus on a task at hand, our productivity decreases. While it is true that we all have many things to fill our days, actually completing tasks is productivity. Become productive. Focus on a task and finish well!
So now what?
Spend focused time on one project or task. Pilots crash planes and conductors roll trains when they become sidetracked with too many things that feed for their attention. We’re the same way. The only way we can really be effective, efficient, successful, and motivated is to spend focused time on one task.
- Determine the time of day you are most alert. Do your heaving lifting (most important work) at that time.
- Find a quiet place to work. Less distraction = more productivity!
- Carve out space on your calendar for uninterrupted time.
- Follow the plan! Don’t allow yourself to become sidetracked by things that are not part of your project, task, or desired activity.
What can you do to become more focused on things that are important in your life? Have you neglected the important things for other random distractions?