We have heard these words for an eternity: “One thing at a time and it gets better.” However, life does not politely wait until you have completed the task at hand before throwing something else at you. Sometimes you need to be able to do more than one thing at the same time. In addition, by combining compatible tasks, it is possible to achieve greater productivity.

How can you improve your ability to multitask? What tasks can be combined? How can compatible tasks be identified?

Let me first introduce a concept I call “thought inertia.” One thought leads to another through the association that leads to the proverbial train of thought. It takes a conscious effort to shift your train of thought to another sequence of associations. If you don’t keep track of your thoughts, this train may derail, making it difficult to get back on track.

Another concept is that of “motor actions”. When you first learn to do something, you need to be aware of the actions. This involves the brain, the thinking part of the brain. With a lot of practice, the sequence of actions becomes automatic, involving the cerebellum or “motor” part of the brain.

Finally, let me address the concept of compatible tasks. If one automatic task uses the hands and another uses the feet, these tasks can be combined. If both tasks use the same limbs or body parts, they cannot be combined without interference. If one task is fairly automatic and another task requires thought, they can be combined as long as they don’t get in the way of each other.

Now, let me introduce you to the “Laws of Multitasking”:

• The First Law of Multitasking states that “Only automatic tasks can be combined with other tasks.”
• The Second Law of multitasking states that “automatic tasks can be combined with one or more compatible tasks.”

Multitasking is, like almost anything else, an art that can be improved with practice.