I recently finished my audio-listening of Bradford's History of the Plymouth Settlement. I will listen to it again. Perhaps I will read it (actually read it) after that. Why? It is for the simple reason I was not able to absorb enough of the book. I had listened to the majority of it while preparing food in the kitchen - with frequent small distractions and interruptions. Many of us probably have this problem. We attempt to multi-task (with good intentions) but end up doing it to the point where we are not able to benefit fully from any one of our jumbled-together activities and we end up unfulfilled and feeling like we've wasted our time.
I've frequently think about how to be more efficient with the time I'm given. It's a constant struggle between apathy, optimistic multi-tasking, and focusing on my areas of interest and goals with a more singular focus. I'm information-greedy.
Apathy, when I feel it, does not last for long. I don't willingly embrace apathy. It only comes when reach a terminal frustration point with either the "optimistic multi-tasking" mode or with the "singular focus" mode. Apathy however, frustrates me even more. I throw it off quite quickly.
Optimistic multi-tasking has the strength of feeling like alot is getting done - that I'm being enriched with every minute. Sadly though, I find that I feel like I'm actually poorer at the end! I'm robbed, and what's worse is that I robbed myself.
The most satisfying option actually takes perhaps the most discipline to maintain. This is the option of taking one task at a time - at least as far as can be done. We have to continue breathing, have a general awareness via sight, sound, and touch of the environment around us, but what I mean by "singular focus" and "taking one task at a time" is attentive reading and active listening. I may have to do without other activities to do this, but I find that it's most often worth it. There are few things more satisfying than having fully digested a chapter's contents or a whole book's contents. This is true whether the book is read or whether it is listened to. The same principle applies. This also applies to a piece of music - especially complex music, whether it be instrumental or vocal.
Why might one have a problem with singular-focus pursuits? Perhaps it's greed. As I mentioned, I'm "information-greedy." Not all greed has to do with money or material possessions. We need to temper this greed - and in this way we actually get more in the end. Say "no" to some things so you can more fully enjoy other things. Don't try and shove everything into you mouth or your head at the same time. Sometimes this is not possible. One may have a job in which a high-level of multi-tasking is essential. There are various situations where you are forced to have a broad, but necessarily shallow focus in order to get done what needs to get done. That being said and acknowledged, my contention is that the more we can get away from that type of environment the happier we will be. Another thing to consider is that some things absolutely cannot be adequately treated in a multi-tasking environment. For instance, if we're going to talk Philosophy, Religion, or Politics, these things must be given a high degree of focus. These things are important enough (because decisions concerning them have far-reaching and deep consequences) that they need to be approached with the "singular focus" approach. The modern high-speed Twitter-happy culture is at a real crisis now in regards the wrong approach to these subjects, taking a high-speed multi-tasking approach rather than a "singular focus" type approach. My thoughts about that could fill pages and pages...later.
I encourage you wholeheartedly to experience the satisfaction that comes from singular focus. Listen attentively - whether it be to a book or to a live person. Read with focus and seek to understand, to digest what you're reading. Don't be satisfied with just going through the motions. Every time I am able to successfully employ this dual active of purging (purging the non-necessary stuff) and focus (target a specific thing and be attentive) I end up being happier, more fulfilled, and more relaxed. Try it. I think you'll like it. Trust me. I look forward to gleaning more from my audio book this time around...
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