Last week, Minnesota enacted a new law that requires drivers to use their cell phones hands-free when driving. This is a good thing, especially with instances of distracted driving accidents on the rise.
Maybe we should apply this to other activities, too. The reason I bring this up is personal.
This past weekend, I was riding my bicycle on the bike lane along River Road in Minneapolis. It was a beautiful day, and there were many other riders on the path. Twice, I spotted oncoming bikers drifting into my lane because they were looking down at their phones texting. I’ve seen the same thing with motorized scooters.
Is it distracted driving? No, it’s distracted living.
As I begin to get ready to teach my class on creative process again this fall at St. Thomas, I’m reminded that while you may think you’re being efficient by multitasking, what it really means is that you’re distracted and not as focused as you could be. Studies have shown that multitasking produces inferior work and reduces creativity, so heads up – I’m all in favor of focusing and attentive living. I’ll bet that the quality of not only your work, but conversations and relationships will improve as a result.