Multitasking is Simple and Possible: The best way to keep your focus high.

Figure1: Three Stages of Learning

The psychologists have presented 3 stages of learning in a book entitled Human Performance: Cognitive, Associative and Autonomous.

In the cognitive stage we are always cautious about learning things the right way. In this stage, we often make mistakes, the building blocks to success. We are also cautious and ineffective in this stage. Though this stage is hard to cross, there is an element of surprise in this stage which should be emphasized by the guides and the mentors. Exploration is the key to this stage which should not be hampered as far as possible.

            In the associative stage, we start to apply our explorations and become mature enough to figure out the effective ways of accomplishing our tasks. Though we are still cautious about some of the things, the autonomous behavior for many of the skills starts developing. Encouragement is the best way to help someone progress from this stage to the next.

The stage of joy is called the autonomous stage wherein we become and expert of a field and know the optimized ways of carrying out the tasks related to that field. Rewards naturally follow once we achieve this stage. 

            The interesting thing is that we do not know how all this exactly happens in our brain, but all this happens so gradually. Think of the time when you learned cycling or talking or singing or writing. Isn't this what happens in reality? Think about it.

            In our profession, when it comes to multi-tasking, many of us give up at the first stage itself. The different reasons are that we try to do it i) for the company,  ii) for our boss, iii) for the subjects we are not naturally inclined about, iv) we do not understand the importance of exploration or/and we are trying to directly put things into actions Imagine that someone does not know how to stand, and we tell him/her to run. It is obvious that it won't be immediately possible. 

            We as humans are inborn multi-taskers. We often think, speak and breathe at the same time. While driving, we often sing or enjoy the scenery outside. I am sure many of us know multiple languages. So why not explore our multi-tasking warrior about our profession, about the arts we are passionate about and the activities which are good for our health. Time is not an issue as this will automatically save our time and energy once we understand its importance and align ourselves in the right way.

One of the difficulty that I personally faced in my life to cross the hurdle of multi-tasking is my deep focus. I used to go so deep into an activity that I would not want to come out. I am gradually learning to switch the same focus, i.e. not giving up my strength, from one activity to another. Interestingly I find that it is really possible because my mentors always guide me to do something extraordinary for the society. I am happy to share my experience with you and would be happy to hear/read yours in the comments section. 

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