Snake focus

I HAVE always prided myself as a multi-tasker, practically an Oprah minion when she discussed it lengthily on her old talk show. I was an advocate of doing 3, even 5 things at the same time, and truly believed that as a working mother, I need to master that art. As time went, however, I have a feeling something’s wrong and that the multitasking thing seems to be no longer working effectively, and oftentimes I would feel tired – and worse, frustrated. Not only was I failing at getting all things done, I leave a trail of mess behind me which simply accumulates, seemingly with a life of its own.

Sometime last year, I started reading “Get it Together Girl! A 28-Day Guide to Practical NOT Perfect Home Organization” (Karyn L. Beach, 2011) – yup, it has gotten that to that point. I also have “Miss Minimalist: Inspiration to Downsize, Declutter, and Simplify” (Francine Jay, 2011), and “Clutter Be Gone! De-clutter and Simplify Your Home (And Keep It That Way) Starting Today!” (Kimberly Wilson, 2012). Uhm, ok…you get my point.

Anyway, while reading this Get it Together Girl book I came across this tip of focusing on a task for 15 UNINTERRUPTED minutes - just focusing on one task, giving it all your energy, your thought, your power, your heart. That was (quite) earth-shaking, shattering my multi-tasking-oriented life in just a few seconds of reading that statement. I was speechless, motionless, even nauseous for a while, as if on my way to outer space in a rocketship named “A-ha!” It was a clear A-ha moment in so many ways: A-ha-that-should-work, A-ha-it’s-about-time, and A-ha that-sounds-so-simple-why-did-it-not-occur-to-me. It’s true what they say: a little learning is a dangerous thing; and too much reading can be a curse. Wait, I do not mean that last one, but at times it feels true.

So, this year, in Chinese calendar the year of the Water Snake or Black Snake, I resolve to gain MORE FOCUS, to adapt the characteristic of a snake which focuses long and hard on its prey before attacking. I am not one for grand resolutions that I never fulfill anyway, but I am giving myself the chance (and excitement) of doing something for the first time: actually sticking with a resolution. Well, that plus whining less, finding time for fun and being a blessing to others. Did I mention also, being ambitious?

Happy New Year, everyone. (serendipity.couch@gmail.com/ www.serendipitycouch.com)