Is Multitasking an Effective way to get Things Done?
If you are trying to do many things in a small window of time, you are able to compartmentalize multiple tasks and swiftly move from task to task. Then you just might be among the only 2% of the world’s population that is able to multitask.
Your next line of thought does not happen to be, "Ah, I’m definitely a part of that 2%," does it? On the surface, multitasking seems like a great way to get more done in less time. You can write an email while on a conference call or fold laundry while watching a movie.
The breaking news is that multitasking doesn’t exist, although we will roll with the term for familiarity. You cannot do two complex tasks or even two simple tasks at the exact same time. You can do them sequentially, but you cannot do them simultaneously.
It is impossible for you to be in the kitchen mixing batter for a cake and at the same time be hands-deep in performing open heart surgery on a sick patient; it is also impossible for you to be writing an English test while simultaneously talking to your boyfriend about your first kiss. One task will suffer.
As a self-proclaimed multitasker, where your power lies is in how you move from one task to another, when you move from one task to another, and the focus and intentionality with which you move between these many tasks.
So, are you stopping on your way to shop for groceries at the grocery store down the street to talk to the gardener your neighbor recommended? What is the sequence of how you move between tasks?
You want to be able to pivot from one task to another seamlessly, making sure that there is accurate awareness and presence in how you tackle each one.
One of the seven habits of highly effective people described in Stephen R. Covey’s book is "putting first things first." In his book, he says things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.
When you switch back and forth between tasks, your brain needs time to refocus and get back into the groove of the new task. This transition time can add up, leading to a loss of productivity. Also, when you constantly switch between tasks, you are most likely not giving each task the attention it deserves.
We are not just trying to get things done; we want to get things done effectively, and that requires planning and also progress, albeit slowly; slowly in this context doesn’t mean drag; it just means with more intentionality and less rush.
Keeping multiple balls in the air is exhausting and overwhelming, and the impracticality of doing that results in burnout and a decrease in overall productivity.
Research has shown that when people try to multitask, their productivity decreases by up to 40%. That's right—by trying to do multiple things at once, you're actually slowing yourself down.
It is time to shatter the illusion and face the facts: multitasking is not an effective way to get things done.
Think of it this way: Have you ever tried to study for a test while scrolling through social media? It may seem like you're getting more done, but in reality, you're not retaining as much information as you would if you were solely focused on studying. This is because your brain can't fully concentrate on two things at once.
This is not to say that we should completely avoid multitasking. Of course, we understand that it's not always easy to focus on one task at a time. There are so many distractions in our daily lives that it can be hard to ignore them.
But there are some tasks that can be done simultaneously without sacrificing quality or productivity, such as listening to a podcast while doing the dishes. However, it's important to be aware of our limitations and recognize when we're spreading ourselves too thin.
Multitasking is a myth. It's time to ditch the idea that we can do multiple things at once and instead focus on one task at a time. By doing so, you'll increase your productivity, retain more information, and feel more satisfied with your work.
By Anita Owunna (Amarii).