By Anson Thompson, insurance ninja

What seemed like a good idea a few years ago now seems like poopsoup.

For the last 10 years of my life, I have been very proud of myability to multitask: doing multiple things at the same time. Butat age 43, I'm starting to really analyze my life and findmyself asking, “Is this the best possible way I can live mylife?”

The answer, starting with multitasking is, “Hell, no.” Doingmultiple things at the same time means that you are workingsubpar on everything that you do. Singletasking–focusing all your thoughts and energies into oneagenda item or issue–provides complete focus and clearthinking. I will no longer multitask; I will only singletask.

How do I make this change? First, I eliminated the abilityof my smart phone to receive email. I no longer have the needor want to constantly look at my phone to make sure that I respondto each request in less than 3 minutes. I have forcedmyself to only check my email twice a day. I set up my autoresponder to help educate my friends, colleagues and clients withthe following message:

I recently read a book that changed my life. No longer am Itied to my email, in fact, I only check it once a day. If youneed me, call me and let's chat or better yet, let's meet face toface and have an old-fashioned conversation. I'll respond within 24hours of the receipt of this email, but probably notbefore. Thank you and remember, less is more.

If someone really needs me they will call me, but if they getvoicemail, they can leave a voice mail, but my voice mail greetingnow states:

You've reached Anson Thompson of The Thompson Group. Ifthis is an emergency or you need me immediately, please textme. If you have a question or something that can wait 24hours, leave a message.

I do not check my email but once a day, but I still will checkmy texts. That is the only line of communication that I allowto “bother” me. However, if I am writing, reading or workingon a client file, I will not look at my phone. I simply waituntil I am done with my task.

How many times do you sit in a restaurant and watch every couplefixate on their phones? The conversation must be lacking andthus it's easier to answer email. I'm one of those weirdindividuals who are hopelessly in love with my partner and thus Ilove not getting my phone out during our focused time together.

If you are happy with your life and the chaos that most of theworld is experiencing, keep multitasking. But if you want toslow down, take a breath and remember how to smell the roses andthe amazing glass of red wine that sits in front of you. Singletask!