9. Create a third Basket
New tasks go into the “in basket.” Finished work goes in the
“out basket.”
And some tasks should go in the “to-hell-with-it basket.”
10. Do One thing at a time
One of the truly pernicious lessons of modern time management
involves “multitasking,” doing more than one thing at a time.
But we dilute the effectiveness of our work and rob the joy
from our pleasures when we engage in multitasking.
We also show a fundamental lack of respect for others if we
keep typing while on the phone with a friend or hide behind the
newspaper when a loved one is trying to talk to us.
Talking on a car phone while driving can endanger more than
a relationship. That sort of reckless multi-tasking can endanger
lives—yours and others.
Watch kids at play. They are so focused, so rapt, they truly
don’t hear us when we call them. You had that power of concentra-
tion once. You can cultivate it now, giving full attention to every-
thing you do. Don’t try to spin ten plates on ten poles. Spin one
plate really well.
T H E WA R O N S T R E S S