Our attention is completely and utterly divided these days.

thanks ikea, for awesome pic

If you are married or in a relationship, face it.

Some days you spend more time with your laptop/phone/twitter whale/TV remote/ [insert other technological device] then you do with your significant other.

We read while we eat, we write while we listen to music, and we even talk while we drive (unfortunately). In fact, right at this very moment while I am writing this, I am also paying my bills online and chatting away online.

A.D.D.? Maybe. Isn’t there another word for it, though? Hmm…What was it…?

It actually used to be a “plus” on resumés and proudly announced in interviews along with its other buzz word pals, “team player” and “fast learner.” A glorious, responsible-sounding four-syllable word.

Ah yes, now I remember. Multitasker.

Now when I hear it, it reminds me of sharp, overly long nails pounding on a keyboard, or a silver spoon clanking against a cereal bowl. Not appealing at all.

Multitasking is absolutely necessary to keep up with the news and information that snowballs every day. From actual breaking news like the Hudson River incident to trivial virals that make people giggle like “Thumb Boy,” there is complete information overload –should you choose to accept it.

Multitasking is so completely engrained in our daily routines. With the unstable economy, employers have been asking employees to wear more hats than usual. Ten job descriptions now cram into a single position. Priorities shift and stuff slides, sometimes off the desk and into the trash can.

My point being: pretty much everyone should be able to call themselves a full-fledged, law abiding citizen of multitasking county. It’s a no-brainer; it’s a given. Some say part of a survival tactic few years ago in which you either swam or sunk into the hole with the other ten people who don’t know what Twitter is or how one can survive without a landline phone.

What employers should start asking, or start looking for is not the ability for prospective employees to multitask, but the ability for employees to actually Focus. On. One. Single. Task. At. Hand.

Can they get the job done, exceed expectations with a great attitude AND maybe complete the assignment before the initial project due date? Can they bring more pros/cons and insight to the table, leaving plenty of time for revisions and edits? Do they hit every possible story or design angle, uncover every stone or financial obstacle and communicate potential problems and prepare backup plans? Do they exhaust all resources to confirm the assignment is “the best they can do,” each and every single time? These wonderful qualities are all side effects of the person’s stellar ability to purely focus.

(P.S. It’s amazing how many times someone will hesitate, then go back to their desk to redo an assignment when you innocently ask, “so, this is the best you can do, right?” My old boss used to do it to me all the time – trained me well!)

So, as you can clearly see, I have come to think of multitasking as the nemesis of focus. Multitasking whispers evily in focus’s ear, “psst-have you checked facebook today? Maybe someone commented on your status.”

It can’t hurt to make a to-do list in the morning, whether you enjoy scratching through items on good old fashioned paper or prefer Google tasks and dashboard stickies. Turning your IM message to away, letting the office manager know you are busy and shutting your door also helps give the hint that you are busy and just may help reduce distractions.

Helpful sites:

http://www.davecheong.com/2006/08/14/18-ways-to-stay-focused-at-work/

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/09/how-to-focus-your-mind-on-project.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-tips-to-focus-your-mind-how-to.html

http://www.myprivatecoach.com/myPrivateCoach/articles/Tips_Focus_Coach_free.php

http://blogs.bnet.com/teamwork/?p=265

http://www.bizzia.com/slackermanager/5-practices-to-sharpen-your-focus-at-work/

No matter how many lists I throw at you, it may not help. Everyone has their own unique way of getting into their focus zone. Try out a few things and once you find what works, stick with it.

I have worked on it a lot and now I am almost too focused at work. Unfortunately, I get so into my work that I almost forget to eat or use the restroom! I am super competitive though, and like to get things done fast – see my previous post for more info on prepping your brain for quick thinking.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on the subject. How do you focus at work and resist the urge to do a million other things at the same time?