Driving and multi tasking

F or some of us, doing two things at the same time is very difficult.

Despite the numerous gadgets and apps that help us get through our days, research suggests that only 2% of people can multitask effectively.  As for the remaining 98%, they're actually lessening their productivity without even realizing it.

How smart is your right foot? This is odd!

This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't.

It's pre-programmed in your brain!

Whilst sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.  Your foot will change direction.  And there's nothing you can do about it.

You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.  Send it to your friends and frustrate them too.

We have all tried patting our head and at the same time rubbing our tummy, but how many of you can actually do it?

The driving task

Of course when driving we have option but to do a multitude of tasks at the same time. 

This will include co-ordinating the controls to manage either a smooth gear change or move away without stalling to observing the road ahead and acting upon what you see.

Even for those of us that have mastered the ability to control the car It's difficult to do two things such as very simply keeping your eyes on the road and having a conversation.

Try out this driving challenge to see how you fair. 

Play this game to find out how a phone call distracts you when driving.

So how can you multitask more effectively?

The old saying, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there" is just as true even if you are following multiple tasks.

There are no tricks but the answer is simple and effective.

Work on one thing at a time, but alternate.  A juggler may have many objects in the air, but she usually manipulates only one at a time. 

Focus on a dominate task until it's a sub conscious skill then slowly start the other one, now concentrating most of your mind power on the less dominant one. 

It might be that you're attempting to find the biting point whilst holding the accelerator still or patting your head whilst at the same time rubbing your tummy, the task doesn't matter.

You may fail at first but don't give up.  Just keep on practising. 

Try eliminating unnecessary tasks.  If you're multitasking to be more efficient, don't spend time doing unnecessary extra things. 

The exception is a background activity to help pass the time or keep you company, for instance, listening to the radio.

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Relevant topics:
New drivers could pay less for car insurance
Drivers need road signs to avoid breaking speed limits
Keywords: Driving, multi-tasking, observation skills, co-ordination, gear cahnging