I suppose I am a multi-tasker simply because I'm a mum. There is always something going on, or multiple somethings. If not involved, I am playing traffic cop trying to have everything run as smoothly as possible with people coming and going, activities happening and the endless meals being planned and prepared.
In my heart and soul I am a uni-tasker.
I find when I'm doing too many things at once that:
1. Nothing gets done properly
2. I am inefficient and scattered
3. It is hard to get back on track
4. I miss deadlines and become forgetful
I known people pride themselves on being brilliant multi-taskers and kudos to them.
I am not.
Recently I spent my March Break filing. It's not that I don't file at other times, I have plenty of files. I had about 6 different "systems" in the house because I've never been able to start-and-finish a project. So? I dedicated as much time as possible, probably 20-24 hours in total, to put together:
BOX 1-4. For each of the kids, I filled to-date, a 64L file box of ephemera, awards, documents spanning their years from Pre-School to Grade 12.
BOX 5. For me, I filled a 32L file box of all current household bills.
BOX 6. For me, I filled to-date, a 32L file box of ephemera collected raising the kids.
BOX 7. Is another 32L box, now home to all of the "important" papers: my health files, house purchase, tax returns, divorce and other legal documents.
BOX 8. For me, I filled a 32L file box of all creative projects. This one is not done as I need a second box - or a bigger one!
This last box will take a while to work through. The box of projects is not complete, but about as done as it can get for the moment as I need to wrap my brain around the projects I want to do and those that have served me well in the past but it's time to let go and move on to new challenges.
The break was the perfect time as I could work when inspiration struck as I wasn't taking kids to school, appointments, activities or anything. It was as uninterrupted time as I'll ever get! Even better? Staples delivers! I ordered boxes, file folders and everything else for the project and it was delivered to my front door.
I feel lighter. The emotional weight of those piles of paper really took a lot out of me. Now? No more burden. Things are filed, I can find what I need whenever I need it. Not only that but through the process:
- Cupboards were emptied and space was made for other things - or maybe left empty?
- The floor of my room is clear and I am reclaiming my space for me!
- Seven garbage bags of c.r.a.p. were eliminated from my home.
Things are far from perfect as paper, in my world, is a constant battle. I believe I've got the upper hand - for now!
