Does Multitasking Really Work?
by Sally ~ October 12th, 2009. Filed under: time management, time savers.
Does Multitasking Really Work?
We tend to think we’ll get a lot more done when we multitask. But does multitasking really work? Does it really save time? The logic is that we are doing four things at once instead of just one. The problem with that theory is that you usually are doing all those things either slowly, inefficiently, and sometimes poorly.
This is your brain on multi-tasking: Every time you switch activities, your brain needs to make a shift and get into gear, so to speak. The amount of time and energy that you spend shifting gears often breaks up your focus and slows things down.
I’ll admit there are some things that I like to make an exception for multitasking. Things like folding clothes, ironing, or dusting. That is when I might have a long phone call with my sister or a friend. But if I wanted to get the clothes folded and put away quickly, and just focused on that, I could get it done in half the time.
But let’s face it, you can’t really be listening or fully engaged in a phone conversation while you are searching the internet, writing in your journal, and fixing the plumbing all at the same time. Your brain is switching back and forth between activities, not really doing them simultaneously.
The same thing holds true for creating something. The more focused you can be while you are painting, drawing, writing, or performing, the better your end result and you may find yourself getting into the “zone”. That is the place where everything else fades away, time is non-existent, and things flow smoothly.
When you focus on an activity or task and bring your full attention to it, not only are you likely to get better results, but it’s less stressful and more rewarding.
Feeling like you need to do ten things at once because you’re so busy will make you feel even more stressed out.
While practicing mindfulness in a world that continues to increase the speed may seem counter productive, you may actually find you’ll get more done, have more time, and feel less stressed.
Being mindful and focused takes practice. And then some more practice. The more busy or stressed we are, the easier it is to cling to the hope of multitasking our way out. As you become aware that you are operating like an octopus on steroids, stop and take a breath.
Try writing yourself some reminders that say No Multitasking, Focus, or Be Mindful and put them in various places where you’ll see them. Start by just doing one thing and focusing only on that. See if when you say no to multitasking you notice yourself feeling calmer and more efficient.
Let me know what happens.
October 14th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
It’s funny. I used to be a huge proponent of multitasking. I was so proud of myself. Starbucks in one hand, Blackberry in the other and laptop in the…
oops. Out of hands. Not that it would stop me from trying.
I’ve since learned that I actually do get more accomplished when I focus on one thing at a time.
Not that I don’t need a reminder every six hours or so.
October 14th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I know what you mean…even when you figure out it doesn’t work very well to multitask, you need to remember and be reminded over (and over!).