The Myth of Multitasking: Doing More Is Not Always Better

In today’s hyper-connected world, multitasking is often viewed as a superpower. We are encouraged to do more, quickly, and all at once. It’s easy to believe we can multitask by responding to emails, organizing meetings, brainstorming big ideas, and so on. But the reality? Multitasking is not the productivity hack we imagine it to be. However, studies have found it is more likely to undermine our efficiency, contribution, and mental health.

Let’s understand why multitasking is ineffective and how a shift in our approach to single-tasking can catalyze improved performance, better thought processes, and greater fulfillment in our work.

The Science of Multitasking

Multitasking is the capability to carry out more than one task simultaneously. Though it seems like a dreamy skill, studies repeatedly demonstrate that humans do not multitask naturally. Here’s why:

Task-Switching Costs

Our brains are not meant to do multiple complex things at the same time. Every time we transition from one task to another, our brain has to reset itself, a phenomenon researchers refer to as “switching cost.”

A study by Rubinstein, Meyer, and Evans, shows that the switching costs in the workplace create a significant dip in productivity. Each time we switch from one task to another, there’s a delay as our brains reset, which means we’re slower and less efficient as a result.

Consider this: Can you recall a time when you flitted between replying to emails and drafting a report, only to discover that, at least an hour later, you have practically nothing finished in either? That’s task-switching in action.

The Illusion of Efficiency

It can feel productive to multitask because we’re busy, but busyness is not the same as effectiveness. Researchers Strayer and Johnston found that dividing your attention results in more mistakes. For example, talking on a cell phone while driving can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident occurring due to distracted driving. It’s a sobering reminder of just how multitasking sabotages our capacity to do even our most basic tasks safely and effectively.

Cognitive Overload

The human brain gets overwhelmed when it tries to do too much at the same time. This state of cognitive overload makes it difficult to make decisions, bakes in stress and accelerates burnout. In cognitive load theory, Sweller found that our mental resources are limited, and multitasking takes a fast toll on them.

The Effectiveness of Single-Tasking

If the multitasking isn’t working, what does? The answer is simple: single-tasking i.e. one task at a time. One challenge is that when we think we are multitasking, we are actually jumping from one task to another, rather than processing our brains in parallel, pseudo-parallel fashion.

Benefits of Single-Tasking

• Boosted Productivity: Single-tasking erases the switching cost that comes with multitasking, enabling us to work quicker and more accurately.
• Improved Quality Work: With a task that we give our attention to, we are more likely to deliver higher quality results. This is especially true for tasks that are creative or strategic and require deep thinking.
• Less Stress: When you focus on one thing at a time, your mind does not get cluttered with juggling the various priorities. It’s a smart rather than a hard way to work.
• Improved Grounding: Tackling one thing at a time gives you the clarity and satisfaction of completing a task. They sense satisfaction in taking one step at a time, which raises a sense of motivation and engagement.

How to Overcome Multitasking: Practical Tips

It can be challenging to break the multitasking habit, especially when multitasking is the norm in a workplace. But these strategies can help:

Eliminate Distractions: Distractions are the best friend of multitasking. Here’s how to minimize them:

• Shut off notifications: Eliminate alerts on your phone, pings in your email and app reminders. During focused work sessions, use “Do Not Disturb” modes.
• Establish a quiet work environment: Noise-cancelling headphones or soothing soundtracks help counter unexpected interruptions.
• Schedule social media breaks: Avoid scrolling at any time other than during coffee breaks or lunch.

Practice Single-Tasking

Single-tasking is a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

The Pomodoro technique: Alternative each task for 25 minutes with a 5-minute break. This lends a new freshness to your mind while still ensuring focus.

Leverage physical cues: Your desk should only have the materials you need for your task at hand. Delete irrelevant documents or devices so you do not be distracted.

Create a “stop-doing” list: Decide what you will stop doing. Find tasks you do that essentially are meaningless and stop doing them on purpose.

Set Boundaries

Multitasking is sometimes a result of outside obligations. It can help to set clear boundaries:

Schedule time for deep work: Set aside blocks of time in your day for uninterrupted focus. This is also when you need to tell your coworkers you’re unavailable.

Prioritization: Utilize ideas such as Eisenhower’s Urgent-Important Matrix to help you focus on what matters, what can be delegated, and what can be deferred.

Strategic NO: Learn to say "no". Don't agree to more than you can handle by checking whether new tasks are within your priorities.

When Multitasking Might Work

Well, are there exceptions to the rule? Sometimes. For highly automated or routine tasks — like folding laundry while you listen to a podcast — multitasking can be effective, because these tasks demand very little cognitive effort. Similarly, people who have expertise in certain fields (surgeons, musicians, etc.) can perform multiple tasks in one task because they have practiced them so many times that they are true experts.

But for most of us and most things we do, multitasking is still counterproductive.

The Takeaway

Multitasking is usually a myth rather than a reality. Though it may seem like the answer to doing more, doing more often results in the opposite — lower productivity, increased stress, and worse outcomes. The key to taking back our time, energy, and focus lies in single-tasking, putting our whole being into one thing, instead of being half in every task.

So, when you next find yourself wide-eyed and wondering what to do as you try to juggle various tasks, pause for a moment and ask yourself: What is the one thing you could or should work on right now that will have the most impact? The answer, most likely, will point you in the direction of a more productive and satisfying workday.

What techniques do you employ to avoid the multitasking trap? Leave your thoughts and tips in the comments — I’d love to hear them!

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