Multi-Tasking: The Bane of Productivity and Creativity

This is the first of what I expect will be a series of posts on the topic.  

In addition to reading widely, I listen to radio stations throughout the world.  One of the most interesting is Radio Australia.

One of its best programs is Big Ideas.  

Big Ideas brings you the best of talks, forums, debates, and festivals held in Australia and around the world, casting light on the major social, cultural, scientific and political issues.

Each segment is about an hour in length and usually consists of a lecture followed by a question/answer session.  The segments are presented as podcasts that may be accessed from the Big Ideas web site. 

One of the most interesting programs I listened to in recent weeks is Information Overload, a lecture delivered by David Levitin. 

Daniel Levitin biography
Daniel Levitin web site

I'm not about to reveal the details of the plot line save to offer some highlights of the lecture:

• the downsides of multi-tasking
• when to make important decisions
• procrastination
• the value of walking
• the two principles of decision making by the Joint Chiefs of Staff

I was originally attracted to Levitin's writings as part of my efforts to learn more about playing the piano.  As I'm discovering, most of the challenge of mastering the instrument rests in what goes on between the ears.