13. A lesson learned: stop multitasking, by Cami MacNamara

Posted on ⁠⁠WebCamiCafe.com⁠⁠, June 16th, 2020

This blog post looks back on a trip to visit my parents, where I deliberately chose not to work. Instead, I focused on quality time with them, daily exercise, and simply slowing down. The contrast resulted in less exhaustion and overwhelm upon returning to work.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/a-lesson-learned-stop-multitasking/

The book I mention is A World Without Email by Cal Newport: https://www.audible.com/pd/A-World-Without-Email-Audiobook/0525643575

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Looking back at my old blog posts is like flipping through an old diary. It's interesting to see how some struggles keep popping up. One thing I’m very happy to read about, though, are my reflections on trips to see my folks and how I spent more focused time with them in their final years.

I used to try to juggle work with my visits. But after they moved into assisted living, I was able to hang up my apron and spent more time with them. And while I was staying with my sister, I had access to the internet in my off hours. This was missing at my childhood home in the country.

While I still multitask, I'm improving at setting aside focused time. I've been reading "A World Without Email" by Cal Newport, and it's been a game changer. I've started putting my phone on 'Do Not Disturb' mode when I'm off work. I'm also trying to cut back on screen time after I find myself reading client emails on a Saturday night. I bet I'm one of many freelance web designers who's had that happen. Luckily, I do have the discipline to refrain from replying, but it was still weighing on me throughout my weekend.

Newport's book points out how our brains aren't built to keep switching tasks. Email can suck you in and not let you go. To stop this, I've been using 'Inbox Pause' to stop emails during focused work time. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm getting better.

I have to remind myself that it's okay not to be perfect. If I'm doing my best 80% of the time, that's good enough.

And looking back, I'm so thankful that I could be there with my parents during their last years without work taking over my thoughts.