Multitasking. Context switching. These have a poor reputation, at least when they are applied to the software developer instead of the software itself. Sometimes it is a necessary evil. But whenever possible, I try to come up with single tasks that can achieve multiple goals instead. No context switching required. If that isn’t possible, then grouping similar tasks together can at least reduce the amount of context switching.
I recently did some deep self-reflection, and discovered some behaviours that I wanted to improve. But I also found some behaviours that I like. This is one of those latter cases. I recall doing this from an early age. My father wanted the lawn raked, and then he wanted it cut. So I came up with a new task: cut the lawn while keeping the side chute facing downwind on each pass. Presto! Both goals completed in half the time. This is a behaviour that has served me well over the years. Give it a try, maybe it will work well for you too.
This is the reason I started blogging. It is a task that allows me, I hope, to achieve many goals at once:
- I have a fear of failure. Blogging about my failures will force me to overcome that.
- I’d like to become a better writer. It is rather irritating coming across a code comment I wrote years ago, only to realize I can’t understand myself.
- I’d like to become better with web graphics.
- Blogging requires knowledge of website hosting, content management, DNS setup, SEO best practices, and so much more. Many things that I’ve wanted to become more knowledgeable with.
- I want to prove to both myself and others that I’m a capable software developer. If I blog about some of my non-confidential projects, then it may eventually serve as a work portfolio.
- I’d like to help others. I hope that sharing my skills may inspire others, and sharing my flaws may help them avoid making the same mistakes.
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