Doing One Thing At A Time

So I've been experimenting the last few days. After reading an article about a man who gave up multi-tasking for one month, I decided that it would probably be a good example to follow. It seems lately my mind is completely chaotic. I can't focus on any one thing for any period of time. While reading an orthography sketch I'm Skyping with a friend, picking at my fingernails, and possibly playing minesweeper. At home I talk on the phone, clean my room, and again, most likely play minesweeper. This is not an effective way to live.
So, the last 3 days I've been trying to do just one thing at a time, or at least strongly suppress my multi-tasking tendencies. Here is what I've discovered: For the most part, I find that I'm happier, because I'm actually able to get things done. By focusing on just one thing, the time actually goes quite a bit faster. I find that I enjoy the things I'm doing more. I actually get more out of a phone conversation when all I'm doing is talking, rather than talking and cleaning my room. I'm also learning that doing one thing at a time requires planning. If I can't do all of these things at the same time, I have to give myself the time to do each of the things individually. I also am more aware of just how out of control this habit has gone. I want to be clear: most of my multi-tasking is not mandatory, its voluntary.
So why has this bad habit become more and more noticeable in my life? My best guess is that I've been using it as an avoidance technique. If I feel like I suck at my job, at least I can suck at it while chatting with a friend. But then if I spend time at work, I need to be productive at home, so when I should just chat to a friend, I then feel obligated to simultaneously cook or clean. And so the cycle continues. I only recently considered that if I actually focused on things, maybe I wouldn't do such a terrible job of them. Revolutionary, I know.
Anyways, just more musings. I think my little experiment has been good for me, and I plan to continue it for a good while. Feel free to ask me how it's going!

On the Peninsula