Content switching is a mind-killer and Journaling can help!

Are you stressed and ineffective due to context switching?

Computer processors have had this problem for years. The computer's CPU or central processing unit is required to save the current state of work and gather the next state before continuing. This happens every time the processor must context switch and no work happens during the transition. Now, open too many programs and you overload the processor, it locks up and crashes. How is this different for people?

"Fear is not the mind-killer, content switching is the mind-killer" -- Elon Musk

We lose time, focus, and energy each time we context-switch. Our mind becomes overloaded to the point that we lock up (procrastination and indecision) and finally crash (burnout).

In the article "5 diagrams that show how context switching saps your productivity." we learn that It takes 9 1/2 minutes to get back into a productive flow after switching between digital applications. We also know, on average, people look at their phones every 10 minutes. That would suggest we are unable to obtain a productive flow. We also learn that 45% of people interviewed said contact switching makes them less productive, and 43% said switching between tasks causes fatigue.

In an article from Rescue Blog, we learn that we lose about 20% productivity per active project. One is 20%, two 40%, until about 5 projects, at which time we are swamped and completely unproductive.?Leading us to believe that 5 projects are our maximum and 2 projects the logical maximum.

Are you overtasked?

The same Atlassian article provides us metrics to identify if we are “locked up” or going to “crash.”

• Do you miss details when reading and end up asking questions that were literally answered in the document, presentation, or conversation??
• Do you find yourself unable to get started on something you are quite capable of doing - not sure how to get started? And,?
• Do you procrastinate on tasks and projects for the same reason - not sure how to get started or what needs to be accomplished?

Get organized and start journaling?

Let’s start with being a bit more organized. In my article, It’s time to stop blaming our surroundings and start taking responsibility I explain how we need to have a place for our stuff. What that really means, is our tools, habits, and processes are the same and consistent. They are ready to be leveraged without requiring additional thought. Needing to remember what tool and where to find data will further increase the stress when context switching. Focus on automating processes, workflows, and your digital and physical space. We learn a lot from Stephen King and his writing workspace configuration.?

Interstitial journaling is the next tool I would recommend as it’s helped me for years. It is not long hand journaling. It is a shorthand note-taking technique that allows you to manage the transition between tasks. The process is simple:

• Time Stamp the entry and then mark the project it is associated to
• Keep the posts small and simple. Write a few sentences about what you just worked on, what you learned, any thoughts and ideas, and the next steps
• I also follow some GTD and add any notes for waiting for, next action, someday, and tag #read and #idea

The strength of this process is in the clarity it provides. But it needs to become a habit. As a habit, it will increase your ability to context switch and reduce the cognitive load of starting the next task. There is a link below called “Next Play Speed” that explains why this becomes faster.

Questions, comments, or passages that caught my attention.

Technology?

• Do you love Birds? The Audubon Society and partners published interactive maps that show the migration patterns of birds.
• Staying with the same theme, I found this really cool device called the Haikubox It can identify the species around your house by their songs and then alert you when new ones arrive. It is Shazam for birds.?

Personal Development

• This video from Play Present demonstrates the technique of "Next Play Speed" in Basketball. The technique focuses on how fast the player can switch between offense and defense. Building a habit that allows them to be in the correct mode as fast as possible.?
• Why is this useful for us? This technique makes Interstitial Journaling work. Each journal post is like planting our feet. It can become a habit that allows you to stop, reset, and then focus on the next task. The habit allows you to teach your mind to do it faster and cleaner. To remove some of the frustration seen when context switching.?

The Retail Landscape

• Payments are still a key focus area for retailers. What is competitive? Focus on providing options to your customers at the time of checkout. Remember Layaway, I used it when I was young and needed to buy larger items. Today it is called “Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)” or "Point of Sales Installment Loans" and is one of many ways brands can attract younger consumers, who otherwise would not be able to afford the higher-priced items they sell. Buyers are also able to eliminate the high-interest rates on credit cards, which makes it a competitive option and will elicit changes in the industry and improve paying options for customers.?
• The Fashion Retail industry is seeing 30% to 40% usage and you can read more at retailbrew.com
• How Buy Now Pay Later Improves The In-Store Retail Experience

What I’m listening to, Reading, or Watching.

Stephen Covey gave us the concept of sharpen the saw and within it the understanding that our health is very important. Good health allows us to have the energy to do everything else! So this week I am sharing Dr.Berg's YouTube channel. He covers topics like partial fasting and gut health. I've had more energy, better focus, and fewer body pains over the last 4 months of testing, and would recommend it to others.?

Things to Make you go Hmmm.

Generally speaking, when you feel stupid it’s because you just got smarter. — Showerthoughts

I'm testing different formats and content, so please give me feedback. Do you like more or less content? Is one section better than another? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let me know on Twitter @DanielkHorton or Linkedin.?

Cheers, and Have a Great Week