Unitasking

Unitasking is the obverse of multitasking, just doing one thing at a time.  The word needs to be used now because multitasking (an acceptable word now on spell check) is so ubiquitous.  The original concept of multitasking was that you could get more done by doing multiple things at once.  The gaps between steps in one task could be filled by steps in another.  This sounds completely reasonable and the concept has spread so that it will be quite common to have someone at work interrupt an e-mail to talk on the phone while checking something on their desk..

This multitasking concept has spread beyond the office so that it seems that if we aren't sleeping many of us are multitasking most of the time.  People talking on a cell phone in a park, watching tv while surfing the internet and having a conversation.  People seem now to be bored if just a single thing is happening.  It has now reached the level that while having dinner with people I have had people texting to people.

In our news this multitasking has taken effect to such an extent that there will be a piece of the screen with actual people on it, but also a ticker moving along the bottom, a piece of news above that, and then pop-up ads or news in one corner.  While watching an interview three other things are available for your attention.

Multitasking intuitively sounds like a good idea.  We are given all sorts of tools in which to increase and improve our multitasking.  We should be able to increase our level of productivity, enjoyment, and education  we should be able to essentially live more.  The problem is that multitasking doesn't really work that well.  People who focus on what they are doing right now are happier at that moment than people with multiple foci.  A person solving a puzzle from start to finish will be happier than someone solving a puzzle with the tv on and stopping to check their e-mail.  They will also be more productive with that task.  You will get more done if you solve a puzzle, then check your e-mail, and then watch tv than trying to do them all at the same time.

Multitasking also has longer term problems, it becomes addictive, and like most addictions life without multitasking can seem bleak, as if we are missing something.  I know I feel this way quite often.

Unitasking is simply focusing on one thing.  If you are doing dishes then focus on doing dishes.  If you are planning a party focus on the planning until the planning is done.  If you are walking then notice where you are rather than thinking about something else (I am terrible at this.)  I am making a conscious effort to increase my amount of unitasking.  As with all things I will succeed to an extent, and fail to an extent.