Multitasking not good? Think again !

MULTITASKING NOT GOOD ? THINK AGAIN ...

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Focussing dilligently on 1 thing should get you result in the long end, right ? Well ...

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I was recording yesterday, doing a song that has a 16 metre long note (about 15 seconds) on slow music, high and medium strong. I could make it work at home though technically it's challenging. Now I was in a studio setting with other people. You got it, a presentation setting with potential judgement fears around the corner.

The pressure is on.

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I started, 13 seconds. Aaaah just missed it.

Next time, about 10 seconds. Dmn. I tried 6 more times. The more I tried the more I struggled and it backfired. I tried relaxation techniques, visualisation, posture, energy. All didn't work. I somehow didn't have the energy to make it 'till the end.

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Suddenly someone said: let's lock hands and the longer that note is, the more you pull my hand towards you. I thought "that's a weird idea, now I'll lose my energy on the pulling. But heh, whatever I was coming up with didn't work, so let's try. "

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First time with pull: 14 seconds. WHAAAT ?

I know, I was surprised too !

2nd time with pull : 15 seconds but with a wrong note so we couldn't use it

3rd time with pull: 15 seconds with a bit of energy left. That's the take

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The lessons here:

Trying different techniques is good, but if they are not working, you need a new technique. Be humble enough to receive it and try that

Not everyone in the room is judging you. Most of them genuinely want to help you solve your struggle !

There is such a thing as Overfocus. Focus=energy on 1 thing is good, but if it doesn't work, then a different focus=energy is needed to unlock your overthinking/overstressing/overfocussing and bring the relaxation back. In presentation setting that could be a joke, short brake, things like that. Then try again