A GON Reader Asks
Dear Maria,
I’ve been told I’m a bit of a talker and I’ll admit it’s true. But lately, I’ve realized my chattiness might be costing me. Just last week, I missed my highway exit because I was deep in conversation with my
sister, who was sitting in the passenger seat.
At work (I’m a dental office receptionist), I wrote the wrong date on two vendor checks because I was thinking about a story I wanted to share with my coworker.
I hate to admit it, but it’s starting to happen more often. I don’t want to seem distracted or careless, but my mind is always juggling two or three things at once. How can I get better at this?
-- Gloria, Ocean City, NJ
Maria Responds
Dear Gloria
First, I want to say, you are not alone. Many of us have busy minds, and when you enjoy connecting with others, it’s easy to carry a conversation while trying to do something else.
But here’s the truth: our brains aren’t built for multitasking, especially when it comes to thinking about one thing while trying to focus on another.
What we think of as “doing two things at once” is really our brain
switching back and forth quickly, dropping tiny pieces of information each time. That’s when wrong dates get written or freeway exits get missed.
One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to give your attention to just one thing at a time. If you’re driving, keep your mind on the road.
If you’re writing the date on a vendor check, put the conversation on pause until you’ve finished the task.
It might feel odd at first, but mindfulness is simply being present with what you’re doing, and it’s amazing how much calmer and more accurate life feels when you practice it.
You don’t have to lose your wonderful gift of gab. Just give it its own space, separate from
tasks that require focus. Think of it as setting your conversations up for success and setting yourself up to get things right the first time.
And the best part? You’ll find that when you focus fully on one thing, whether it’s talking with a friend or completing a
task, you enjoy it more...because you’re truly there for it.
On another note...
When September rolls around, I love pulling out my hobby supplies...and now I’ve curated a fresh idea list for you:
Inspiring finds to spark creativity and make every hobby more enjoyable and producive!
