Concentrating on the Prize

Erudite · #1 10-19-2007, 10:31 AM

Big Sissy, you put something in the Hear me ROAR forum that really made me think...I started this new thread to keep the focus in that one very positive. First, your comment seems to denigrate men just a bit in saying that you (meaning men in general) can't do the type of multitasking that women do. I want you to not ever tell yourself that. Here's why...

A couple of weeks ago, someone read a quote in RS from Pres. Hinckley. In the quote he talked about focusing on simple things. (The lesson was on "simplify".) But my first, somewhat critical, thought was "that's a man/woman thing" and I thought that because WE do multitask and fairly successfully at that. I was being a little critical of Pres. Hinckley for not multi-tasking. Since I recognize being critical of Pres. Hinckely even in my head is a problem, I immediately began to correct my thoughts so that I could be open to the idea that NOT multitasking is a good thing and you know what? Women are basket cases sometimes BECAUSE they multitask too often. We pat ourselves on the back in pride because we accomplish more than any human should, but in the process we forget to LISTEN. We forget to be calm. We forget to focus. We forget that the prize is not how many things you can do, but the actual prize...the bread, the healthy body as a result of exercise, the healthy mind open to new ideas.

Men (in general) on the other hand have the ability to focus on just one thing and really focus on it. And that's a good thing. Don't sell yourself short that you don't multitask. That's ok if you still get to the prize!

Second, YOU CAN MULTI-TASK! And for some things you should. I think we women overdo it from time to time, but I also think you men shouldn't downplay your own abilities to do more than you are. You said somewhere else that if you only think about it, it never gets done. True...and that means figuring out what's important in the long run and begining to do something about it. Sometimes it's a small something you do while you're doing something else and that's good too.

I don't mean to downplay my own accomplishment of reading, walking, ,and baking at the same time. That isn't all that amazing really. If I could pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time...THEN I'd be amazing.

I can't.

But I can build my mind while my legs go on autopilot, and it's not like I got the bread to the pans with a book in my hand and my body still on the treadmill. The point is that I worked to accomplish much in a short amount of time...hear me ROAR.

So the questions for this thread, for everyone, are
how do you concentrate on the prize? And what are you doing to accomplish it?

Do you fit it in? or do you focus on it?

What things do you think you can multi-task successfully and what do you think should be focused on?

We each do it differently and as long as we are doing it, it doesn't matter which method you use.

Dia Minha · #2 10-22-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erudite

So the questions for this thread, for everyone, are
how do you concentrate on the prize? And what are you doing to accomplish it?

Do you fit it in? or do you focus on it?

What things do you think you can multi-task successfully and what do you think should be focused on?

We each do it differently and as long as we are doing it, it doesn't matter which method you use.

My first thought to this first question was I can't multi-task when excercising. I have to concentrate and focus on what my body is doing or I don't get as much out of it. I find if my mind starts to wander and I start thinking about other things, than where I am placing my foot or how I am lifting my arm, I realize that I'm not putting as much effort into each move. So to answer your second question I have to focus on it.

I do find, I multi-task while cleaning house. Usually I am fitting in laundry while doing other things. I also have found that while helping my children with homework, there is some need to multi-task. It would take all afternoon and well into dinner if I sat down with them one at a time. However, I can make sure one is started on math, one on spelling and sit down and read with the other and then rotate them all through so they each get one on one help from me. I have even been able to give two children spelling quizes at the same time. And dinner still somehow gets on the table. On the other hand, when playing with my children I feel the need to concentrate just on them even if just for a little while, from start to finish of a game or activity. Of course the washing machine can still be going and the dish washer running, but my mind is on my child 100% until the game is finished, even if the washing machine buzzes.

Dia

**5ft Diva** · #3 10-24-2007, 01:26 AM

Good questions, E. This is a phone conversation, but I'll see if I can answer in a nutshell what I'd tell you.

I'm working on figuring out what the prize is, therefore, learning to focus on it is a work in progress as well. It's only fit in when I don't give me time to myself but if I do, it's totally my focus.

The last question, I'm not sure. You'd have to ask BS that question, his answer, although honest, will be more objective.