We stacked our iPhones in the middle of the table facedown, and joked that the first person who checked their phone would pay for the meal. None of us did. In a world of multitasking we were making a statement – “I’m committed to being present.”

There’s power in being all the way there. 

Multitasking was something I prided myself on. I even put it on my resume! I was trying to communicate that I’m adaptable. And something told me the word for that was multitasking. But that is a myth. A big, deceiving lie. 

What we call “multitasking” is actually task-switching. And task-switching can cause us to lose up to 40% of our productivity. That’s a job, a family, a friend over coffee that gets 40% less of us.

The days of raising young children have given me an appreciation of doing one thing at a time. It’s been the task-switching antidote if you will. I cherish isolated time to prepare a meal, read a book in a quiet room, and go to the bathroom without a requested audience.

I’ve learned my priorities quickly. In these days of high chairs and diaper changes, I’ve been forced to confront my priorities, forced to be all the way there. Mostly because my kids will want to call Elmo on my phone, type on my computer, and draw on my grocery list when I do other things around them.

This has taught me a powerful lesson: I’ve had to choose between what’s important and what’s dispensable. What needs to happen now, and what can wait for later. In other areas of my life, it’s not as easy. And I’m guessing I’m not the only one.

I’m not proposing a technology ban. Rather, a commitment to focus. Doing one thing at a time.

At work, let’s honor our coworkers, clients, and bosses by focusing on one cognitive task at a time – that’s things like reading, typing, listening, and talking. Let us not confuse the urgent with the important as we focus on doing our jobs well.

At church, let’s use our time wisely and focused. Let’s engage in service – connect with others, take notes, and sing out loud!

With friends, let’s build a culture of being all the way there. It might not look like a stack of phones in the middle of the table. But it always looks like being fully present.

With our kids, let’s understand that what we do today matters. Our days are numbered. Mommas, let’s do our best with those 18 years of summers, so we can “set the table” well for year 19.

“What you did today matters, because you spent a day of your life doing it.” I read that recently, and can I just say – ouch! I want to be able to look back where I spent my time last week and know that I was all the way there – over a dinner table with friends, in a pillow fort with my kids, and in a meeting with coworkers. This isn’t a technology ban; it’s a rally to focus.

Let’s no longer believe that multitasking is a sign of productivity and effectiveness. Let’s realize there’s power in being all the way there. After all, I want to see what happens with the extra 40% of YOU that the world will get.