There are times in my life where I am uncertain whether I am really getting anything done. Those are dangerous times. And when I recognize them, I try to do something about it.
They usually happen when I'm doing too many things at once. With computers that get increasingly faster such that you can have hundreds of windows open simultaneously, something happens where your brain tries to think it can keep up with the computer. "Sure, I can run just as many active tasks as my computer. I'm a human being. I am way smarter than these junkboxes of wires and plastic." Well, it's a nice human aspirational thing to do or say or mean. But in reality, when I open up too many windows running on my brain, I either go haywire for a few hours or else I have to quickly close all the windows.
Right now in my life, I feel that I have no choice but to run the processor close to the haywire level. I've never multitasked so many things in my life. I know very well that multitasking ultimately implies that each individual task is executed with mediocrity. To have the choice to focus on a single thing -- I know people with such a luxury. I respect and envy them, but at the same time I'm happy to be haywire on some days. It doesn't make any sense really.
So in retrospect, the challenge of doing more with less sleep is truly the ultimate game in life. I will continue to roll the dice for now.
Posted by maeda at March 29, 2007 12:21 AM