Pseudo Attention Deficit Disorder - Solve Problems Sequentially

PAUSE - The Voice of Sanity In A Speed Crazed World
Volume 7, Number 5 - February 21, 2007
Publisher: Patricia Katz - info@patkatz.com
http://www.patkatz.com - http://www.pauseworks.com
© Optimus Consulting 2007
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Make someone's day ... send this their way. :)

REFLECTION:
Pause reader, Lisa L, wrote to share this observation on multitasking
from Scott Hagwood's book, Memory Power: " ... multitasking leads to
short-term memory impairment. Research studies show that trying to
solve problems simultaneously instead of sequentially drastically cuts
the brain's resources.

Neural activity decreases when neurons juggle two tasks at once as
compared with focusing on one task alone. Scientists say that such
mental channel surfing can lead to a condition called 'pseudo-attention
deficit disorder.'

Harvard psychiatrists, Hallowell and Ratey, find that people afflicted
with pseudo-ADD have inadvertently trained their brains to constantly
seek new information rather than thoroughly process existing infor-
mation. As a result, they have difficulties concentrating and completing
any single task well.

Even if you don't suffer from pseudo-ADD, you may still have lost the
ability to focus on the present because you allow your mind to be
easily distracted. The information you're supposed to be gathering
at the moment never gets into your mind because other, seeming
more important, matters are distracting you."

Now, where was I? Oh, yes - writing this week's Pause message.

ACTION:

How do we apply this insight? Be alert to the influence of grass-
hopper mind. It's common for thoughts to leap from one to another,
but actions needn't follow.

Limiting the number of items assaulting the senses at any one
moment can help. Clear the desk and unclutter the space. Turn off
the email alert, and turn down the music. Turn up the concentration.

When you're working on A and your eyes land on waiting item B.
Resist the urge to shift focus. Repeat the phrase, 'Steady on', and
stick with the task at hand.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack
me at once." - Jennifer Yane
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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
For more ideas on enhancing focus see Sam Horn's article, "You Can
Concentrate", at: http://samhorn.com/media/articles/focus_pocus.htm
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