{"id":9721,"date":"2026-06-08T15:40:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T11:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=9721"},"modified":"2026-06-08T15:40:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T11:40:57","slug":"why-i-stopped-glorifying-multitasking-and-started-practicing-mindful-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasha-kelej.com\/?p=9721","title":{"rendered":"Why I Stopped Glorifying Multitasking and Started Practicing Mindful Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
For most of my career, I considered multitasking one of my greatest strengths.<\/p>
In many ways, it had to be. I still going it only if I have to , I am very good at, so everyone tells me.<\/p><\/figure>
Leading international development programs across dozens of countries, managing partnerships with First Ladies, Presidents, Ministers, healthcare professionals, media teams, and internal teams often meant handling multiple priorities simultaneously.<\/p>
A typical day could involve reviewing a healthcare capacity building program in Africa, preparing for a high-level meeting in Asia, approving communication materials, responding to urgent requests, preparing impact reports, developing new awareness campaign , chairing scientific committee, daily performance management and speaking with colleagues across different time zones and more.<\/p>
For years, I believed this was simply what leadership looked like.<\/p>
The busier I became, the more I convinced myself that multitasking was a sign of effectiveness.<\/p>
But over time, I began to notice something important.<\/p>
Being busy was not always the same as being fully present.<\/p>
The Cost of Constant Switching<\/strong><\/p>
While multitasking allowed me to manage an extraordinary number of responsibilities, it also came with a hidden cost.<\/p>
I would find myself reading an email while thinking about a meeting.<\/p>
Sitting in one discussion while mentally preparing for the next.<\/p>
Reviewing documents while responding to messages.<\/p>
My attention was divided.<\/p>
The work was getting done, but sometimes I felt as if my mind was running a marathon without ever reaching the finish line.<\/p>
The challenge was not productivity.<\/p>
The challenge was mental noise which reflect on my stress. Thankfully , I exercise regularly otherwise I would be a victim for anexiety and depression. Definitely I do not want to live with this risk.<\/p>
As leaders, we often become so accustomed to operating at high speed that we stop noticing the stress created by constant switching between priorities. Therefore I had to find out a solution.<\/p>
My Struggle With Mindfulness<\/strong><\/p>
When people first suggested mindfulness to me, I was skeptical.<\/p>
Like many leaders, I associated mindfulness with slowing down.<\/p>
And slowing down felt impossible.<\/p>
How could I possibly become more mindful when my calendar was full, my responsibilities were growing, and people across multiple countries depended on timely decisions?<\/p>
The truth is that I misunderstood mindfulness.<\/p>
Mindfulness is not about doing less.<\/p>
It is about being fully present while doing what matters.<\/p>
Ironically, I found this far more difficult than multitasking.<\/p>
For someone accustomed to thinking five steps ahead, staying fully present in a single moment required discipline.<\/p>
It did not happen overnight.<\/p>
What Changed My Perspective<\/strong><\/p>
Over time, I realized that the most valuable conversations, decisions, and relationships in my career happened when I was fully present.<\/p>
Not when I was multitasking.<\/p>
Not when I was dividing my attention.<\/p>
Not when I was rushing to the next thing. It was after a full focus to resolve a challenge and find a creative solution.<\/p>
Whether I was meeting a First Lady, mentoring a young professional, speaking with a team member, or discussing a strategic partnership, the quality of the interaction improved when I gave it my full attention.<\/p>
People notice when you are truly present.<\/p>
And they also notice when you are not.<\/p>
So here is the answer, I do not need to worry about continuing my success.<\/p>
Don\u2019t get me wrong I Still Multitask \u2014 But Differently<\/strong><\/p>
Today, I have not eliminated multitasking from my life.<\/p>
That would be unrealistic.<\/p>
Leadership requires managing many responsibilities simultaneously.<\/p>
However, I have become more intentional about when multitasking is appropriate and when it is not.<\/p>
I might listen to a leadership podcast while walking.<\/p>
I might review documents while traveling.<\/p>
I might use waiting time between meetings to clear routine emails.<\/p>
But when it comes to important decisions, strategic discussions, mentoring conversations, or relationship-building opportunities, I try to give people my complete attention.<\/p>
I have learned that some moments deserve focus, not efficiency.<\/p>
Most importantly, it is better for my mental health and physical health as well which will be better for managing my operation in the long run<\/p>
The Leadership Lesson<\/strong><\/p>
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leadership is not about doing everything at once.<\/p>
It is about knowing what deserves your full attention.<\/p>
The world rewards speed.<\/p>
Leadership often requires presence.<\/p>
The world celebrates busyness.<\/p>
Leadership requires clarity.<\/p>
The world encourages constant activity.<\/p>
Leadership requires intentional focus.<\/p>
My Personal Definition of Mindful Leadership<\/strong><\/p>
Today, I define mindful leadership very simply:<\/p>
Being fully present where you are, while remaining aware of where you are going.<\/p>
It does not mean abandoning ambition.<\/p>
It does not mean reducing your impact.<\/p>
It does not mean disconnecting from your responsibilities.<\/p>
It means creating moments of attention in a world full of distractions which by the way requires leaders to be good at what they do .<\/p>
I still have busy days.<\/p>
I still manage multiple priorities.<\/p>
I still operate across countries, cultures, and time zones.<\/p>
But I have learned that the quality of my attention often matters more than the quantity of my activity. I heard this many times when I was younger , \u201cquality not quantity\u201d, now I understand it better.<\/p>
Because leadership is not measured by how many things you can do at once.<\/p>
It is measured by the value you create when you are fully present.<\/p>
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