Michael Verner - Pittsburgh Web Development

Yep, you read that headline right. For years, we have had the idea that you have to multitask pounded into our brains like a 240 lb running back on the goal line.

We all know when we are at work we should check our e-mail, file documents, check our Blackberries for messages, make a sales call, brainstorm for the afternoon meeting, do data entry, shuffle our fantasy football roster and chew gum while at work. Doing everything all at once - that is productive, right?

BZZZZZZZZZ! Wrong answer. Sure you look damn busy. Wow, aren’t you impressive? But, you could be even more impressive if you went to the spread offense and attacked everything separately. When you spread yourself across multiple tasks you can’t devote your full brain power to any specific task. You’d be much better off taking each item on one-on-one. Tackle those tasks in the open field.

Let's say you are a linebacker... what would be more effective - tackling one player at a time or running headlong into the offensive line trying to take out the whole offense in one fell swoop? That’s right, just pick them off one at a time or you are wasting your efforts.

Here’s some tips:

• Check your e-mail only 2 times (maybe 3) a day. Don’t let each incoming e-mail derail what you are currently working on.
• Same with that Blackberry/iPhone…
• At the beginning of the day, make a list of the tasks you want to get done, and pick them off like a shutdown corner in man coverage.
• If possible, find a way to have uninterrupted work time. Constant interruptions from blitzing linebackers (I mean coworkers and bosses) make it hard to achieve your goals. Try to have hours when you are unavailable.
• Read Getting Things Done. A lot of these tips are what I extrapolated from that book. There’s plenty more that may be useful to you.