Comments on: The limits of multitasking http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/ my progress in writing, revising, sending to my editor, re-revising, fact-checking, galley-reading, and promoting a four-volume history of the world Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:24:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: shanmar http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-52653 shanmar Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:14:21 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-52653 I also appreciated your thoughts. As I have added "opening a bookstore" to my already flowing plate, I have been amazingly overwhelmed. I can do one thing well, at a time. My reality is that I need to do 20 things well, at one time. I end up doing nothing well. I was coveting the 14 hour day, you mentioned that you have, to just work on a project. Thanks for sharing your struggles. It helps. I also appreciated your thoughts. As I have added “opening a bookstore” to my already flowing plate, I have been amazingly overwhelmed. I can do one thing well, at a time. My reality is that I need to do 20 things well, at one time. I end up doing nothing well. I was coveting the 14 hour day, you mentioned that you have, to just work on a project. Thanks for sharing your struggles. It helps.

]]> By: Sahamamama http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-52356 Sahamamama Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:05:05 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-52356 Maybe you want longer stretches of time because you want to think deeper thoughts. What is your spirit telling you? What does the Holy Spirit say? What would you, and you alone, have to say to the world with your "pen" if you could, at some point, clear away all these urgent projects and just listen for a while? You have so much stuff in your head, and a unique way of connecting it for the rest of us, who do not have as much stuff in our heads. If you are asking these questions, really asking them, then maybe it really IS time (or near time) to slow down... for a season? for a reason that you don't yet see? Of course, it could just be the age thing, ha ha. I turned 41 last month, and I am running around this little house after a three year old and 13 month old twins. Can someone say DISTRACTED? The other day I was TRYING to CONCENTRATE, but my three year old (Sarah) just HAD to keep coming into the room to ask important questions, such as: 1. Mommy, may I wrap up Pooh in my new frog towel? (30 second interval) 2. Mommy, may I put another band-aid on Love-Alot Care Bear? (1 minute interval) 3. Mommy, may I please have a little snack? Is it sooooooooon to lunch time? You get the idea. :) Susan, you are a mother. You are a wife. Now I will add modifiers -- you are a homeschooing mother and a pastor's wife. For most of us, these two (unmodified) roles take up the bulk of our time. If you try to fit all that "other stuff" in, you are going to feel it sometimes. I know that I would. You feel stretched out because you are stretched out. I hope it all works out. Maybe you want longer stretches of time because you want to think deeper thoughts. What is your spirit telling you? What does the Holy Spirit say?

What would you, and you alone, have to say to the world with your “pen” if you could, at some point, clear away all these urgent projects and just listen for a while? You have so much stuff in your head, and a unique way of connecting it for the rest of us, who do not have as much stuff in our heads. If you are asking these questions, really asking them, then maybe it really IS time (or near time) to slow down… for a season? for a reason that you don’t yet see?

Of course, it could just be the age thing, ha ha. I turned 41 last month, and I am running around this little house after a three year old and 13 month old twins. Can someone say DISTRACTED? The other day I was TRYING to CONCENTRATE, but my three year old (Sarah) just HAD to keep coming into the room to ask important questions, such as:

1. Mommy, may I wrap up Pooh in my new frog towel? (30 second interval)

2. Mommy, may I put another band-aid on Love-Alot Care Bear? (1 minute interval)

3. Mommy, may I please have a little snack? Is it sooooooooon to lunch time?

You get the idea. :) Susan, you are a mother. You are a wife. Now I will add modifiers — you are a homeschooing mother and a pastor’s wife. For most of us, these two (unmodified) roles take up the bulk of our time. If you try to fit all that “other stuff” in, you are going to feel it sometimes. I know that I would. You feel stretched out because you are stretched out. I hope it all works out.

]]> By: Alesha http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-50559 Alesha Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:08:47 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-50559 I honestly believe that if I had to do any three of your to-do list at one time...I would run away to a tropical island and read a good book(with a wonderful bottle of wine). Though I do benefit greatly from all you do. Thanks for writing so many incredible books that make our school days run well, except for those days that we accidently re-read the W.T.M. and try to do everything... those days don't go quite so smoothly(must remember not to do that). I honestly believe that if I had to do any three of your to-do list at one time…I would run away to a tropical island and read a good book(with a wonderful bottle of wine). Though I do benefit greatly from all you do. Thanks for writing so many incredible books that make our school days run well, except for those days that we accidently re-read the W.T.M. and try to do everything… those days don’t go quite so smoothly(must remember not to do that).

]]> By: Strawberry Queen http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-50113 Strawberry Queen Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:03:15 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-50113 I find this very thought provoking. I too am 35 and I find myself craving the uninterrupted times to focus on just one task. But then the people in my life have needs and it seems that I'm the one they need. Until your post I had not attributed my angst over this to age, but it is a strong possibility. However, it is January. I'm trying to remain positive so I don't loose even more time to the winter blues, especially as the sun is about to set. BTW thanks for your writing. I have truly benefitted from the effort you've put in. I find this very thought provoking. I too am 35 and I find myself craving the uninterrupted times to focus on just one task. But then the people in my life have needs and it seems that I’m the one they need. Until your post I had not attributed my angst over this to age, but it is a strong possibility.

However, it is January. I’m trying to remain positive so I don’t loose even more time to the winter blues, especially as the sun is about to set.

BTW thanks for your writing. I have truly benefitted from the effort you’ve put in.

]]> By: Trish http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-49954 Trish Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:21:46 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-49954 It's just January, Susan. And Mercury is in retrograde. :) Everyone is out of sorts because of the time of year (one of the hardest times because of the cold and the post-holiday depression, bills are due, etc.) and I had to remind myself of this countless times last week (and all weekend). Sending good vibes to you and wellness vibes to the fam. Hang in there and enjoy the process. This is what it's all about (or so they say)! It’s just January, Susan. And Mercury is in retrograde. :)

Everyone is out of sorts because of the time of year (one of the hardest times because of the cold and the post-holiday depression, bills are due, etc.) and I had to remind myself of this countless times last week (and all weekend).

Sending good vibes to you and wellness vibes to the fam. Hang in there and enjoy the process. This is what it’s all about (or so they say)!

]]> By: Janice in NJ http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-49924 Janice in NJ Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:50:25 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-49924 I. Know. What. You. Mean. No answers - just loads of empathy coming your way! I've spent too many hours pondering that question. If there was an answer, I suspect that it would have surfaced by now. Shrugging my shoulders with indifference rather than trying to ferret out a "better course of action" for "next time" seems to create a smaller back-log of regret in the back of my brain - where those thoughts tend to pile up until they take over and put me in a funk - during a day that should be peppered with peace rather than angst. I hear you. I'm sorry! Here's hoping that your Tuesday rocks! Peace, Janice I. Know. What. You. Mean.
No answers – just loads of empathy coming your way!
I’ve spent too many hours pondering that question. If there was an answer, I suspect that it would have surfaced by now. Shrugging my shoulders with indifference rather than trying to ferret out a “better course of action” for “next time” seems to create a smaller back-log of regret in the back of my brain – where those thoughts tend to pile up until they take over and put me in a funk – during a day that should be peppered with peace rather than angst.
I hear you. I’m sorry! Here’s hoping that your Tuesday rocks!
Peace,
Janice

]]> By: AmyL http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-49881 AmyL Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:45:36 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-49881 Okay, I hope this isn't too selfish a reaction but YAY on the First Language Lessons level 4! I can't tell you how much better my boys have been doing this year since we switched back to the series. I'd gone to Rod and Staff after finishing one and two of the First Language Lessons and it was really a tough year. I've been a little anxious about what we'd do next year after things going so well this year. Thank you and everyone at Peace Hill Press for all your hard work. 2 young men who've struggled with learning are really starting to come into their own and blossom this year. You've had a part in that. As for the fractured feeling, oh I so know how that feels! Hugs to you, and I hope you find a moment or two for a good hot cup of coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate) and relaxation. There's something to be said for a small yet powerful word when too many projects are coming your way: no. Or, you could lengthen that to "not now". By limiting your professional obligations you open yourself up to more time for the family and friends who need you. And you avoid falling into the SuperWoman trap. Just food for thought. :) Okay, I hope this isn’t too selfish a reaction but YAY on the First Language Lessons level 4! I can’t tell you how much better my boys have been doing this year since we switched back to the series. I’d gone to Rod and Staff after finishing one and two of the First Language Lessons and it was really a tough year. I’ve been a little anxious about what we’d do next year after things going so well this year. Thank you and everyone at Peace Hill Press for all your hard work. 2 young men who’ve struggled with learning are really starting to come into their own and blossom this year. You’ve had a part in that.

As for the fractured feeling, oh I so know how that feels! Hugs to you, and I hope you find a moment or two for a good hot cup of coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate) and relaxation.

There’s something to be said for a small yet powerful word when too many projects are coming your way: no. Or, you could lengthen that to “not now”. By limiting your professional obligations you open yourself up to more time for the family and friends who need you. And you avoid falling into the SuperWoman trap. Just food for thought. :)

]]> By: The Tutor http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-49830 The Tutor Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:32:59 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-49830 Thank you for writing this. I am so happy to see my own thoughts so eloquently written out and know that these thoughts and questions are common (even if not yet answered). After reading this post, similar sentiments in <i>The Emotionally Healthy Church</i> by Peter Scazerro and <i>L'Abri</i> by Edith Schaeffer, and multiple Psalms, I get the distinct feeling that God is trying to tell me something... waiting for the "perfect time" (or circumstances, or mood, or materials, or whatever) in a fallen world is a vain enterprise. Strive for Christ-likeness, be content with imperfection infused with grace. Thank you for writing this. I am so happy to see my own thoughts so eloquently written out and know that these thoughts and questions are common (even if not yet answered). After reading this post, similar sentiments in The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazerro and L’Abri by Edith Schaeffer, and multiple Psalms, I get the distinct feeling that God is trying to tell me something… waiting for the “perfect time” (or circumstances, or mood, or materials, or whatever) in a fallen world is a vain enterprise. Strive for Christ-likeness, be content with imperfection infused with grace.

]]> By: Lori http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-49792 Lori Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:30:35 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-49792 Beautiful snow! I agree with Mary Kathryn about my own personal mind (and body) going south after 40. That's what I have spent a good deal of my time doing lately, attempting to get back to some reasonable place where I can get my work done. It is quantifiably harder now than it was just two years ago. If it is true that life offers few oases of quiet, then you've got to learn to work with what you've got. When I was writing a novel in November (National Novel Writing Month), we got an e-mail from some author who was supposed to be giving us a pep talk. The author said that if they worked on something consistently, at the same time every day, during the rest of the day, they were able to think, plan, and mold the shape of the story so that when they returned to the keyboard the next day, it was ready to flow from the fingertips. Now, you've written more books than I'll ever do and you've got your own way of working. Plus, I'm not sure that this author had children, which have a way of interrupting us in ways that short circuit our minds. At any rate, you've got to learn to deal with what is, because mourning over what was is not only not useful but detrimental in that it saps energy that you could otherwise use. Yow...what's up with me this morning? Sorry. I'm going to go acquire some coffee and breakfast. I do hope that things go better and it's true, you have to celebrate the beautiful moments when they come...never regret that. Beautiful snow!

I agree with Mary Kathryn about my own personal mind (and body) going south after 40. That’s what I have spent a good deal of my time doing lately, attempting to get back to some reasonable place where I can get my work done. It is quantifiably harder now than it was just two years ago.

If it is true that life offers few oases of quiet, then you’ve got to learn to work with what you’ve got. When I was writing a novel in November (National Novel Writing Month), we got an e-mail from some author who was supposed to be giving us a pep talk. The author said that if they worked on something consistently, at the same time every day, during the rest of the day, they were able to think, plan, and mold the shape of the story so that when they returned to the keyboard the next day, it was ready to flow from the fingertips.

Now, you’ve written more books than I’ll ever do and you’ve got your own way of working. Plus, I’m not sure that this author had children, which have a way of interrupting us in ways that short circuit our minds. At any rate, you’ve got to learn to deal with what is, because mourning over what was is not only not useful but detrimental in that it saps energy that you could otherwise use.

Yow…what’s up with me this morning? Sorry. I’m going to go acquire some coffee and breakfast. I do hope that things go better and it’s true, you have to celebrate the beautiful moments when they come…never regret that.

]]> By: mary kathryn http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/the-limits-of-multitasking/comment-page-1/#comment-49726 mary kathryn Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:58:50 +0000 http://susanwisebauer.com/blog/?p=147#comment-49726 I've also found it much more difficult to focus and to teach briiliantly (for lack of a better phrase) , since turning 40. My thoughts seem scattered, and I don't relish digging into challenging academic tasks as much as I once did. I seem to depend much more on praying that God will graciously give me meaningful words to say, and that they will be intelligible :) I’ve also found it much more difficult to focus and to teach briiliantly (for lack of a better phrase) , since turning 40. My thoughts seem scattered, and I don’t relish digging into challenging academic tasks as much as I once did. I seem to depend much more on praying that God will graciously give me meaningful words to say, and that they will be intelligible :)

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