You Can Multitask

I was wrong. You can multitask. Find out how in this mini podcast.

 Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

You Can Multitask

For years I insisted multitasking was a myth.

In fact, if you'd asked me, I'd have climbed onto the nearest rooftop and announced it to the neighborhood.

Trying to do two things at once doesn't make you twice as productive. It scatters your focus and waters down your results.

I was absolutely convinced.

Well . . . I’ve changed my mind.

Now, before you accuse me of heresy, hear me out.

I think you can multitask.

And I think I can prove it.

My favorite ridiculous example used to be this: You can't juggle cantaloupes and wash the car at the same time.

One . . . then the other.

And that's still true.

But here's what I eventually realized.

You can solve a problem while you're out for a walk.

You're not consciously solving it. You're paying attention to the walk. You're noticing the trees, feeling your muscles working, hearing your sneakers squeak, smelling the fresh air.

Meanwhile . . . something else is quietly working in the background.

That's the kind of multitasking I'm talking about.

Before you head out, simply set an intention.

Tell yourself, "I'd like an answer to this problem."

Then quit trying to solve it.

Just walk.

Or wash the car.

Or rake the leaves.

Or fold the laundry.

Give your conscious mind something simple to do while another part of you keeps chewing on the problem.

I first heard this idea during my hypnosis training. They talked about an "other-than-conscious" part of the mind that keeps working behind the scenes.

Interesting theory.

But theories don't mean much until they happen to you.

For me, it happened with crossword puzzles.

I'd stare at a clue until I was convinced the answer simply didn't exist.

Nothing.

Finally I'd get frustrated, head into the kitchen, pour myself a glass of iced tea, come back . . . 

. . . . and there it was.

Poof.

The five-letter African antelope I'd been racking my brain for ten minutes?

"Eland."

Where did that come from?

Apparently, somebody below decks had stayed on the job while I was making iced tea.

And that's why I think this works for problems much bigger than crossword puzzles.

Prove it to yourself. The next time you're stuck, set the intention first.

Then deliberately stop trying.

Go for a walk.

Wash the car.

Feel the warm water on your hands as you dunk the sponge into the bucket. Smell the soap. Hear the water slosh around. Watch the dirt disappear from the hood.

Give your full attention to what you're doing . . .

 . . . and let the problem solving part of you do what it does.

Will it work every single time?

No.

But often enough to prove the premise that you can multitask.

Just maybe not with cantaloupes.

All the best,

John