Task Switching

Who has taught their kids how to drive? Very scary for them, and for us!

It’s a daunting experience. I’ve read that a male brain is not fully developed until they’re 25. Yikes! Does that mean we’re giving the keys to a two-ton vehicle to someone with just over half a brain??

Yes, at least with the guys.

My story is about our daughter, who has at least the advantage of a more developed brain.

Madi was the most fun teach. I took her out several times on the rural roads of Carlisle, PA. Rolling hills and curving back roads with fewer cars and slower speeds – a good plan.

I noticed that she had a problem – multitasking. Wasn’t working.

She would drive too slowly, and I’d tell her to speed up. She did. But then she’d veer over the yellow line. So, I’d tell her to straighten out. You guessed it. She’d straighten the car and slow down!

I told her she couldn’t focus on two things at once, but with reps, she would be able to subconsciously do both at the same time. In fact, I remember my brother taking me on a drive at the time I was learning. While driving, he was manual shifting, working the clutch, steering straight, and going the correct speed, all while peeling a fruit roll up and eating it. I was in awe.

Multitasking is physiologically impossible – no one, except for a few outliers – can literally focus on two things at once. One might say, what about the piano, guitar, drums, or juggling while riding a unicycle on a tight rope? It’s not multitasking because the reps are in the background. No one can play the guitar while focusing on all of the variables all at once. Can’t be done.

I cannot open the mail, look at my phone, or unload the dishwasher and completely focus on what my wife is saying. So, what do I choose?

I know what you’re thinking…but yes, I do stop with the mail, phone, and dishwasher, look at her, and actively listen. No multitasking with this girl!

When my son lived at home and I was in my office, he would pop in for a question or to tell a story. I had a choice, keep typing or literally have my hands on the keyboard, not even facing him, while he was talking. Wrong choice. Or I could ask for a moment to finish my thought, or better, I could move from my laptop, remove my reading glasses and focus on the more important thing – him.

Multitasking destroys relationships, is stressful, disruptive, and downright inefficient. Focus, flow – one thing at a time, That’s the dream. Let’s live it.