Multitasking Sucks

There is a lure to multitasking. Doing more than one thing at once seems like a no-brainer! It feels like we’re being more efficient. But it’s an illusion. In fact, true multitasking is impossible.

Since the human brain can’t actually multitask on cognitively demanding tasks, it just switches quickly between tasks, but we’re not conscious of the switch – or of the Task-Switching fee it creates.

FACTS:

The irony is that people that Multitask don’t notice the effects, until stopping for some time.
Multitasking is appealing. It seems like a magic bullet.
Multitasking actually slows you down, decreases creativity, and (via neuroplasticity) changes your brain.
It is the enemy of focus, an executive’s most important ability.
This is only true for cognitively demanding tasks. So, texting and driving is bad, but walking and chewing gum is fine.

Thanks to modern studies on neuroplasticity, we know that multitasking takes a toll on memory and focus. It gets harder to filter out irrelevant data. We lose our ability to concentrate.

Here's the kicker – we are getting distracted by other work. It’s not as if you can avoid interruptions completely. But the more you monotask, the more productive and less exhausting it will be.

It’s worth noting that 2% of the population seems to actually be able to multitask. To find out if you’re one of them, try this 4-minute test! Keep in mind that even if you are, monotasking is still more efficient.

Monotasking is why you get more done the day before a vacation

Monotasking (the opposite of multitasking) is the reason why you're able to get more done on your last day before vacation (when you really focus) than you do in the 2 weeks previous (when you're constantly task-switching).

SOLUTIONS:

Monotask… Really monotask.

Set aside time for deep work – and make it sacred.

Build some margin into your schedule so you can take short breaks between tasks.

“A study done at the University of London found that constant emailing and text-messaging reduces mental capability by an average of ten points on an IQ test...similar to missing a night’s sleep. It’s around three times more than the effect of smoking cannabis.”

- David Rock PhD,

Researcher, author, coined the term neuroleadership.