There is No Such Thing As Multitasking

There is no such thing as multi-tasking.

We do not multi task we multi focus. When we are trying to do several tasks at once we are not giving all the attention to each task, our attention is split across them. So each time we change tasks we change focus, giving more focus to the one at hand and less to the one we were just doing. As much as we think we are multi tasking we are not giving each task the full attention it deserves or needs. It’s why we can leave a room to do something in the middle of one task and get fully into another, only remembering where we were at when we return to the room. We have moved to a different place out of view of the original task so our focus is shifted.

So, while it may seem like a more efficient way of getting things done, research has shown that multitasking can actually be detrimental to your productivity. Trying to multitask can be about as effective as trying to pat your head and rub your belly at the same time - you might be able to do it for a few seconds, but eventually, you're going to mess up one or both tasks.

It’s said that women are better at multi tasking, or are they just having to multi focus out of necessity because of the many responsibilities of children/home/work? When we are splitting our focus over too many things at once for extended amounts of time it can cause brain fog. Every time we change focus our brain has to reassess the task at hand and the surrounding environment. It needs to know how much attention to pay.

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes need silence to see better? It’s so you can focus your full attention on what you are looking at without your brain doing auditory processing in the background. This is why we turn down the radio in the car when driving in a new area as we need to find the place we are looking for.

Multitasking can also increase stress levels, as the brain is constantly working to keep up with multiple tasks at once. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and even burnout. When you try to do too many things at once, it's easy to make mistakes or overlook important details. This can be especially problematic for tasks that require a high level of accuracy, such as proofreading, data analysis or even your weekly online grocery shop!

It impairs your ability to make choices. When you're constantly switching between tasks, it can be difficult to focus on any one thing long enough to make a well-informed decision.

Focus on one task at a time, give it your full attention, it will get done quicker than if you are trying to do several things at once.

Sometimes, of course, we end up doing too many tasks at once instead of asking for help or giving a task to someone else who could easily do it for you.

Multitasking may seem like a great idea, but it's kind of like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. It might look impressive at first, but eventually, something's going to come crashing down (and it probably won't be the unicycle). So, if you want to be truly productive, it's probably best to stick to doing one thing at a time (and leave the juggling to the professionals).