R&W: Flow - One Thing at a Time

This swap is the next in a series from the Flow "A Book that Takes Time" first mentioned in THIS SWAP. Join one or all - whatever works for you. :)

The next activity in the book is "The Joy of One Thing at a Time". "In today's busy world, it's often hard to find time to devote our attention to a single task. We want to do everything, and sometimes it's so paralyzing that we end up doing nothing." Multitasking is the new way of the world, right? You "must" make the most of your time, your day, in order to be a good, productive person - or so it seems. I've often been told to slow down and not multitask, but it seems like as soon as I slow down, I'm told I have to do more. :(

For this activity, the book includes a small booklet, about 4x6 inches with quotes and directions on each page. For the swap, you will choose 3 prompts, write replies, and send them (or copies) to your partner. If you wish, you can make (or use) a notebook of your own and answer all of the prompts - it's up to you. :) Please write at least a paragraph (or about 5-8 sentences) for each of the 3 prompts you share with your partner.

For the swap, you will need to send at least a paragraph for each of 3 of the prompts of your choice listed below. You are more than welcome to do more, but a minimum of a paragraph for each of 3 of the prompts below, written or typed on paper, is the requirement. Again, this is not profile specific, so you can work ahead if you wish, even before partners are assigned. I encourage you to plan ahead a bit, as this could take some time. :)

Prompts to choose from: (Please copy the prompt with your answer. Use the prompt however you wish to understand them.)

Multitasking is a myth

Focus is calming

Less is more

It helps to smell the roses

A recipe for happiness - 'consciously doing one thing at a time is the recipe for happiness'

Resolutions - 'Of course there will always be moments when the urge to do many things at once returns. The following resolutions may help you master distraction: 1) I will turn off the sound on my email 2) I will work from a cafe so I don't start doing laundry during the day. 3) While I cook I will not make calls or have a conversation. 4) I will not check email on my phone during the weekends. 5) I will leave my phone in my bag instead of on my desk. 6) I will look out the train window or read a book and not check my phone until I arrive. -- Can you think of more resolutions?'

Tips - It's probably wise to accept the fact that the stress of a thousand things you need to do will occasionally pop up. To combat this stress, you may find the tips below helpful. 1) Focus - We can practice maintaining focus by doing things that command our full attention, like writing something by hand instead of typing it or learning new dance steps or practicing a musical composition on the piano or guitar. 2) Do it right now? - When your attention is interrupted, ask yourself: 'Should I give this my attention right now?' This may help you decide whether something even needs your attention in the first place. Perhaps someone else can do it, or you can do it later. 3) Disconnect - Create email-free time zones in your day. Take a walk and leave your phone at home and try giving yourself three designated times in the day when you can check and respond to emails. 4) Set a Timer - To avoid doing things randomly, use a timer. For example, try setting it for 20 minutes and then do just one thing, with no distractions, during that time.

Do nothing - Plan time in your day for moments when you do absolutely nothing. Go sit on a bench somewhere and let time slip right through your fingers. 'Checking out' regularly is important. It expands our sense of time, which makes us feel less hurried and stressed.

Prioritize - Things at the bottom of your to-do list are not urgent, so put them on a can-do-it-later list that you can set aside for the time being.

Take a deep breath - Research has shown that we create half of our interruptions ourselves. Do you often feel the urge to get up to get some coffee, or do you find yourself checking email while you're having breakfast? Take a deep breath and focus again on what you were doing. This sharpens your mind and over time, increases your capacity to concentrate longer on one thing.

Divide your day into brackets to avoid doing two things at once - Example: divide your day into sections such as work, mail, calls, cleaning ... Challenge: When you are busy with one of the brackets, try not to get distracted by the other ones you have planned.

I know some of these will be adjusted to make sense in your own life - feel free to adjust what you need in order for it to fit into your life and needs. Overall this is a challenge to help us to slow down and take our time, to stop multitasking. I know this will be a big challenge for me to do.

Even if you don't sign up for this swap, please leave a comment below and let me know if you like the idea or not, and if you would sign up for future swaps of a similar nature. I will make a point to actually read comments this time, I promise. :) It's good feedback for me to know what type of swaps to create for the group.

Be sure to include the swap name and your SB ID with the letter so your partner can rate you.

Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Please send me a PM. If anything doesn't make sense, please let me know and I will explain further. Also, I will try to post some photos of this actual book to the Face Book group so you can see more of it without having to purchase the book. IF you're not a member of the Face Book group, please let me know and I will give you the info. :)