Monday, June 30, 2014

Multi-tasking is a Myth

So do you think you’re a good multi-tasker?  You know what?  There’s no such thing.  Effective multi-tasking is an oxymoron.  Here are a couple decent reads from Health.com and AICPA that elaborate on why multi-tasking is counterproductive.  In addition, I think this demotivator says it all.

The main point here is that multi-tasking does not save time, but instead INCREASES the amount of time to complete a task.  Multi-tasking is really task switching.  Our brains can’t multi-task.  It simply switches between tasks which is highly inefficient.

So why is multi-tasking generally viewed as a positive?  I think it’s because it creates the illusion that we are accomplishing more.  Technology is one of the main reasons for our propensity to multi-task.  We can connect to anything, anytime, anywhere.  Unfortunately, technology has also contributed to our inability to set boundaries or priorities.  We believe we can do it all.  But really we can’t.  Bottom line is most people just don’t know how to CHOOSE to focus.

For some more information on this concept, see some previous posts (take control of calendar, staying focused and productive, flipping the switch, work-life balance).

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