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How Multitasking Erodes Productivity And Dings Your IQ

Five takeaways:

  1. This article examines the darker side of multitasking, something many of us might consider essential to the daily performance of our jobs and lives. Does it have harmful effects?
  2. Although multitasking purports to increase efficiency, it may only increase “busyness” – and sap effectiveness. Paying partial attention to multiple things might provide the sensation of accomplishment when, in fact, it is unproductive.
  3. Our attention should be viewed as a precious currency, and studies show that every time you switch tasks, you lose a little bit of your power to focus that day.
  4. Our brains are simply not wired to handle long term multitasking. Our brains first evolved, its stimulus-response incentive as a survival tool. But today, when multitasking triggers multiple stimulus-responses every hour, there is an imbalance.
  5. In the age of distraction, it is incumbent upon business leaders and managers to minimize the “scattershot” approach to task completion, and give your teams the chance to apply their innate human strength of focus.

From Curt Steinhorse at Forbes:
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Note: At the time of this posting Forbes offers 4 free article views per month.

This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

5 Tips to Create a Present Moment Mindset

Five takeaways:

This article reminds us that we are increasingly liable to take the present for granted, and often fail to appreciate the small elements of life that make it vibrant and powerful. It gives five tips on how to stay more present.

  1. First, focus entirely on a specific action. Do not multitask; stop to concentrate on the task at hand. The essence of why you are doing it and why it is valuable will reveal themselves to you.
  2. Second, switch off your phone. Not all the time, of course. But disconnecting from your phone or tablet will eliminate a constant source of distraction.
  3. Next, go for a walk. Spending time outside has proven physiological and mental benefits, including the opportunity to clear your head of intrusive or unnecessary thoughts. It allows you to take in the detail of the world around you.
  4. One should also exercise intentional gratitude. It cleanses the mind to take stock of what we are grateful for in our lives; to reacquaint ourselves with the things we enjoy and are thankful for. It brings a sense of positivity and contentment.
  5. Lastly, consider your senses. Remember that the senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch, and sight allow us to experience life’s joys. Intentionally experience your own senses as you move through life – close your eyes to taste your food fully or to hear the song of birds around you– and you will feel a greater connection to the present moment.

From Doug Cartwright at The Daily Shifts
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This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

Nothing is Cooler Than Going Out to Dinner

Five takeaways:

  1. This fascinating article explores evolution in the cultural prominence of restaurants, and status-based restaurant culture– a shift that begins in the 1980s and has been on the rise in the social media age.
  2. Mull argues that the restaurant world has been completely shaken by social media, which fuels human competitiveness and materialism. Restaurants become landmarks through social media hype and in many cases begin designing their menus and interiors to cater to the Instagram set. The hype leads to reservations becoming harder and harder to get, which in turn leads to more hype.
  3. Restaurants did not always have this place in our culture. Before, restaurants had been viewed as a “side dish” to a night out at the theater or the movies. The 80s made them the “main dish,” as celebrity chefs like Wolfang Puck rode to fame and turned their restaurants into destinations.
  4. In the 2000s, writer and television host Anthony Bourdain asserted to the public that restaurants were themselves important cultural hubs, where worlds and cultures could be richly experienced. Restaurants became a part of being a cultured citizen of the world.
  5. Mull notes that the result has been a “reservation frenzy” in which people are desperate to get reservations at hot new restaurants. She also notes that this frenzy is less about the food than it is about status: “What matters is putting your butt in the seat that everyone else wanted.’

From Amanda Mull at The Atlantic:
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Note: At the time of this posting The Atlantic offers five free article views per month.

This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

How to Make Better Coffee at Home

Five takeaways:

  1. This article starts with an important distinction: it is not chasing a café-level cup of coffee. It is simply trying to help you get the most out of your coffee at home.
  2. The first step is selecting a grinder. There are so many of these available, but the article is clear: the quality of your home coffee will increase exponentially when you grind your coffee yourself rather than buy it pre-ground. Pre-ground coffee loses much of the oils that provide the flavor and caffeine boost as well as having a shorter shelf-life than whole beans.
  3. Next, upgrade your beans. This article suggests a couple subscription services that each highlight beans from different roasters and country of origin. There are also many ways to guarantee you are purchasing beans that are cultivated ethically and sustainably.
  4. Last, decide on a brewing technique. If you like dark roasts, try a Moka pot. Medium Roast lovers might consider a pour-over, which provides a smooth cup but can be a bit labor intensive. For light, refreshing roasts, an Aeropress coffee press might be your best bet.
  5. And of course, don’t forget your classic home coffee machine. They’re often programmable and always get the job done!

From Scott Gilbertson and Jaina Grey at Wired:
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This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.
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