Multitasker's Downfall

New York Incubator member Ann Marie Segaric is a career coach and she gives advice to multitaskers in Monday's amNY article, "Multitaskers’ Downfall".  Here is Ann Marie's advice:  

"I never hear the word 'multitasking' until someone is overwhelmed," said Annemarie Segaric, a career coach at Segaric.com.

"Multitasking is a buzz word that no one seems to do particularly well, because going back and forth between unrelated projects just consumes more mental energy, is never an efficient use of time and just creates a chaotic mind-set."

A stray text message or phone call can be a welcome diversion. However, a continuous back-and-forth between current projects and communication devices has the potential for project mix-ups, failed deadlines and drained energy.

"It's best to carve out different times in your schedule to answer the bulk of your messages. It keeps you focused," Segaric said. "The night before or [at] the beginning of your workday ... map out your priorities, determine how long each will take and what time would be best to carry them out."

Also, make sure your multitasking isn't a mask for procrastination. Segaric advises "putting the energy you would have wasted on avoidance tactics on how good you'll feel once the project is finished."