Are you a multi-tasker? What does that mean to you? To me, it means that I can do more than one thing at a time in order to be more efficient. The idea is that if I use my time wisely, I will have time to do what I love, like hang out with family and friends, watch movies, take naps and play. Sometimes it works - other times, my multi-tasking simply helps me to keep my head above water with everything that I do - run a business, a home and raise three children with my husband.

Multi-tasking is a great skill set to have and use for some people. But how do you develop it if it doesn't come naturally? Many organized, responsible, dedicated people are not natural multi-taskers. And for many of these people, the last thing they want to do is learn how to multi-task - like committing to flossing one extra time each day - why would anyone WANT to do that? But for those of you who are interested in honing this skill set, read on!

I like to break things down into two parts: our external actions and our internal thinking. Let's talk about the internal thinking first. Unless there is clear value that you can identify for yourself out of doing something a different way, you probably won't do it. Bummer. But, there is hope! You can create value. Take a few minutes to write down some positive outcomes that might show up when you become better at multi-tasking.

Now let's look at the external actions. What are the habits of a multi-tasker? You know if you act like a multi-tasker, you will become one eventually. The most successful strategy I have seen my clients employ to support their multi tasking habit is planning ahead:

1. You can't take it with you? Oh yes you can! If you need to drop off the cleaning sometime this week, put the bag in your car. You might have an extra 15 minutes at some point in the day and be able to zip on over there. If the clothes are with you, you can take advantage of these moments.

2. Do Your Own Thing. Don't wait until you are sitting in the doctor's office or having your hair cut to realize that you could be reading that article, hemming your daughter's skirt or writing your speech for your networking meeting. Have something to do that will save time later.

3. Going My Way? If you have an appointment across town, what else can you do while you are there? Do you have someone else to see or an errand to do in that neighborhood? Schedule your appointments and errands geographically, particularly if you live in a place in which getting around is tricky - got it New Yorkers and Los Angelenos?

Any more ideas? Please share them with me... I'll be reading and chewing gum at the same time.