[English]
Hello everyone, welcome to the new issue of "Everyday Chinese".
I am Li Ming.
I am Wang Yu! It's a pleasure to meet you all again.
Wang Yu, I noticed that you seemed to be very busy when you came to the recording studio today.
You are walking and checking your phone to reply to messages.
You are still wearing headphones in your ears. Are you listening to something?
Oops, you discovered it!
Yes, before I go out in the morning,
I'm making coffee while listening to today's news,
and replying to messages in several work groups.
I think this is very efficient and can do several things at the same time.
Oh? It seems that you are a typical "multi-tasking" worker.
That’s right! I am the legendary "multi-tasker"!
However, Li Ming, from your tone, you don’t seem to agree?
It’s not that I disagree, it’s just that my way of working may be completely opposite to yours.
This makes me think that we can talk about a very interesting topic today.
What is the topic?
That’s it: Are you a “multitasking” person or a “single-tasking” person?
In other words, do you prefer to multitask, or do you prefer to do one thing wholeheartedly?
Wow, this topic is perfect for us!
It feels like the two of us are two perfect counterexamples.
Listeners, you can also think about it, which one do you belong to?
Okay, let’s talk about this topic in depth today.
Then I’ll go first!
As I said just now,
I am definitely a firm supporter of "multitasking".
I think modern society is so fast-paced and there are so many things to deal with.
If you can't do several things at the same time, you won't be busy at all.
Can you give an example?
In your life, apart from that scene in the morning,
when else do you perform "multitasking" operations?
Too many!
For example, I often chat with friends on the phone while cooking,
or watch a TV series that doesn't require too much thinking,
while folding clothes and tidying up the room.
I think this can make use of some boring time,
killing two birds with one stone.
Well, it does sound "efficient".
I can understand watching TV while folding laundry.
What about when you are working? Will this happen too?
Of course when working!
On my desk, the computer will have several windows open at the same time.
For example, one is writing a plan, and the other has WeChat open for communication at any time.
There may also be a tablet next to it for checking information.
I feel like my brain is like a processor with several cores,
that can run different programs at the same time.
Your metaphor is very interesting.
However, my brain may be a "single-core processor".
I'm the exact opposite of you, I'm a complete "single-task" performer.
Really?
That is to say, when you are doing one thing, you will never touch another?
That's basically it.
For example, if I want to write an important report,
I will mute my phone,
close all irrelevant web pages and software,
and then focus on writing the report.
Until I finish a part, or the set time is up,
I will stop and look at my phone or answer an email.
Oh my gosh, I think this would make me anxious!
What if I miss some important information when I am writing the report?
This is actually a conceptual issue.
I believe that most things are not as urgent as we think.
If you reply half an hour late, the sky will not fall.
But if my report is not well written because I am not focused,
the consequences may be more serious.
For me, the quality of the work is more important than the immediacy of replying to messages.
Hmm...what you said seems to make sense.
So you think that the "single-task" working method can ensure higher quality?
Yes, at least for work that requires deep thinking.
What I pursue is to do one thing well at one time,
instead of starting to do many things at the same time, but doing everything so-so.
However, Li Ming, I still want to defend our "multi-tasking" people.
I think being able to multi-task is also a manifestation of ability!
Don’t the recruitment requirements of many companies say
“Be able to adapt to fast-paced work and have the ability to handle multi-tasking”?
You mentioned a very common phenomenon.
In the eyes of many people, "multitasking" seems to equal "high efficiency" and "strong ability".
But many psychological studies have found that this may be an illusion.
Illusion? What's the meaning?
This means that we think we are processing many things "at the same time",
but in fact, our brains are not really processing in parallel,
but "switching" between different tasks very quickly.
Every time we switch, it will actually consume our energy and time.
Huh? is that so?
I always thought that my brain could be like a computer,
open several programs at the same time and all run smoothly.
Computers actually face similar problems.
The more programs you open at the same time, the slower your computer will be,
and it may even freeze or freeze. The same goes for our brains.
When you say this, I seem...a little convinced.
Because I have to admit, my "multitasking" mode does "freeze" sometimes.
Oh? Looks like you have a story to share.
Hey, forget it, it was really embarrassing that time.
Once, while I was chatting with a good friend of mine on WeChat,
I was having a great time while writing a very important work email to my boss.
This sounds dangerous.
Yes! As a result, my mind was messed up,
I wrote a joke that I was going to send to my friend,
into an email to my boss, and I even clicked send!
That sentence is probably "Hahaha, he is so stupid!"
Oh my god! Then what?
I was in a cold sweat!
I quickly withdrew the email as quickly as possible,
but I don’t know if my boss saw it.
Later, I re-wrote a very serious and professional email and sent it.
Although the boss didn't say anything,
I felt very embarrassed for several days.
I wanted to hide away when I saw him.
From then on, when I wrote important emails,
I no longer dared to chat with anyone.
I totally understand this feeling.
The annoyance and embarrassment of making a mistake because of lack of concentration,
is really uncomfortable.
In fact, many people have had similar experiences,
such as talking on the phone while driving,
and almost getting into an accident; or
playing with their mobile phones while listening to a class, but the teacher asked questions and couldn't answer anything.
Yes, yes! That's what it feels like!
Sometimes I feel like an acrobat,
throwing several balls in my hand at the same time,
I feel very powerful,
but I am always nervous,
for fear that one of the balls will fall.
When everything is crowded together,
I really feel particularly anxious and exhausted.
Li Ming, you have always used the "single task" mode.
Have you never had this kind of trouble?
There are definitely worries,
but it may not be because of the anxiety caused by task switching.
However, for the situation you mentioned, I have a small suggestion,
which may help you relieve the tension of "the ball is about to drop".
Tell me quickly! What is good advice?
You can try the "time block" method.
For example, divide your time into 25-minute or 30-minute increments.
In this "time block",
you only choose to do the most important thing.
Turn your phone to silent and
put it somewhere where you can't see it.
Tell yourself,
During this period, don't worry about big things,
just do the thing at hand.
When this time block is over,
you can rest for 5 minutes,
refresh your phone, reply to messages,
and then start the next "time block".
Hey, this method sounds good!
25 minutes doesn't sound like a long time,
it's relatively easy to persist.
This not only ensures concentration,
but also allows me to process other information in a timely manner,
without feeling isolated from the world.
Yes, this is a way to find a balance between "focus" and "connection".
You don't need to become a complete "single-task" worker all of a sudden.
You can start with one or two "focus time blocks" every day.
After listening to your suggestion, I really want to try it.
Then you have always insisted on "single-task" work.
What do you think is the biggest benefit of it?
For me, the biggest benefit is being able to enter a state called "deep work".
When you focus on a challenging thing for a long time,
you will feel completely immersed in it,
forgetting time and everything around you.
In this state, your work efficiency and creativity are at their highest.
I seem to have had a similar experience!
For example, when I read a particularly attractive novel,
or build a very complicated Lego model,
I really feel that time flies by,
and I feel very calm and satisfied.
That’s right! That's what it feels like.
"Single tasking" is not just a working method,
it is more like a philosophy.
It can help us fight against this world full of interference,
and find inner peace and concentration.
When you say this, I feel like your level has reached a higher level.
I have a metaphor here, I don’t know if it is appropriate.
I think our brain is like a kitchen.
If I want to make a very delicate and delicious French meal,
I must concentrate on controlling the heat precisely.
Take it step by step.
This is your "single task" mode.
This metaphor is very good! What about you?
As for me, I'm like a chef in a fast food restaurant with a very good business.
I need to fry eggs, toast, French fries,
and prepare drinks at the same time.
My goal is to
make everything the customer orders in the shortest possible time.
This is my "multitasking" mode.
Haha, this metaphor is too vivid!
French meals and fast food have different goals,
and the production processes are also completely different.
French cuisine pursues ultimate quality and experience,
while fast food pursues speed and convenience.
They are not absolutely good or bad,
they are just suitable for different scenarios.
Yes! That's what I want to say!
However, Li Ming, will your "single task" mode encounter challenges in reality?
For example, if your colleague or boss keeps looking for you,
you can't just not reply, right?
Of course there are challenges.
This requires some communication and skills.
For example, I will tell my team in advance,
My 9 to 11 am is my "focused work time",
Please do not disturb me if it is not an emergency.
Or, I will use some tools to manage my task list,
sorting things by importance and urgency.
In this way, I can ensure that I am always doing what I should do most at the moment.
This reminds me of a concept in Chinese culture,
called "craftsman spirit".
Those craftsmen, such as sculptors and watchmakers,
spend their whole lives focusing on doing one thing well,
and finally achieve the ultimate.
This kind of spirit is actually the highest state of "single task".
You are so right.
The core of "craftsman spirit" is concentration, persistence and pursuit of perfection.
In fact, ancient Chinese wisdom has always emphasized the power of concentration.
For example, we often say an idiom called "concentrate".
Yes, there is also "wholeheartedness".
On the other hand, it means "doing two things at once".
The ancients did not seem to agree with "doing two things at once".
Yes, the ancients said, "If you don't have two purposes, you can't do two things well."
This means that if you have two purposes, you may not be able to do both things well.
This is actually the same as the "multitasking" trap we discussed today.
After talking so much, I feel like our opinions are starting to get closer.
Really? How to say?
I began to realize that "multitasking" is not always efficient,
especially when dealing with complex and important work, it can cause a lot of problems.
And you just admitted that "single task" also needs to be flexible when facing a fast-paced,
ever-changing environment.
Yes.
Therefore, the conclusion may not be whether "multi-tasking" or "single-tasking" is better,
but that in different situations, we should choose different strategies.
That’s right!
Just like the kitchen metaphor we just talked about.
If I just want to listen to music and clean at the same time, then "multitasking" is totally fine,
and can even make boring housework a little more interesting.
Agree.
But if you want to prepare for an important exam, or learn a new language,
such as Chinese, then you must adopt the "single task" mode.
You need to turn off the TV, put down your phone, and focus all your attention.
Speaking of learning Chinese, this example is so right!
I found that if I scrolled through my phone and memorized words at the same time,
basically an hour would pass without memorizing a single word.
But if I use the "time block" method you mentioned and focus for 25 minutes, the effect will be particularly good.
That's the key.
We need to consciously judge,
whether what we are going to do now is suitable for making a "French meal" or a "fast food".
Then select the appropriate mode.
I understand.
Therefore, we must be the masters of our own attention,
instead of being led by various information and tasks.
Very well said!
That’s what it means.
We can consciously create some "distraction-free" time and space for ourselves,
to protect our most precious concentration.
Well!
I think today’s conversation was particularly inspiring to me.
I decided that starting from today, I will no longer blindly worship "multitasking",
but to be a smart "task switcher",
to find a balance point that best suits me between "multitasking" and "single tasking".
I believe you can do it.
In fact, understanding your own habits and preferences, and consciously optimizing them,
is a very remarkable progress in itself.
Okay, I feel like we’ve had a very in-depth conversation today.
It’s almost time.
Yeah.
Today we talked a lot about the topic of "multitasking" and "single-tasking".
Let’s briefly review some of the keywords and ideas that emerged today.
Okay, Teacher Li Ming, please summarize!
Haha, I don’t dare take it seriously.
First, we discussed two ways of working: "multitasking", which means "multitasking";
and "single-tasking", which means "single-minded" or "concentrate".
We talked about that the essence of "multitasking" may not be parallel processing,
but rapid "switching" between tasks, which will consume our energy.
Yes, and then I shared my embarrassing story,
to remind everyone that "multitasking" is risky!
Yes. We also discussed the benefits of "single tasking",
such as being able to enter a state of "deep work",
ensuring the "quality" of work, and experiencing the fun of "craftsmanship".
The most important conclusion is that we do not need to make an absolute choice between the two,
but need to find a "balance point" based on the specific situation.
What a great summary!
These words, such as
"efficiency", "focus", "distraction", "switching", "quality", "balance point",
I think are very practical for listeners who are learning Chinese.
I hope so.
So, at the end of the program, we also want to leave questions to you who are listening.
Dear listeners,
Do you think you are more like me, a "multi-tasking expert" who loves challenges,
Or are you more like Li Ming, a calm and focused "single-tasking expert"?
Have you ever made any interesting mistakes because of "multitasking"?
Or, do you have any good ways to stay focused?
We look forward to seeing what you share.
Everyone is welcome to leave us a message in the comment area and communicate with us.
Okay, that’s it for this issue of “Everyday Chinese”.
Thanks everyone for listening!
See you next time.
Goodbye!