Ever tried to save time and get more done by multitasking but end up feeling overwhelmed? It is common in our modern fast paced world. With all sorts of technology and a barrage of information at our fingertips, we are all trying to juggle multiple tasks at the same time in order to keep up with the demands of work and personal life.
However, in my opinion, multitasking is a productivity killer that causes us to lose focus and impairs our ability to perform tasks efficiently.
Some of the disadvantages of multitasking:
Divides Your Attention
Dividing our attention makes it inherently difficult to focus fully on any one task. Our brains, as sophisticated as it is, were not designed to handle multiple tasks at once. When we switch between tasks, our brains need to adjust to the context. This takes both time and mental effort. Constantly switching back and forth more often leads to a decrease in productivity and an increase in errors.
Lack of Completion
While multitasking is a modern-day hype, more often than not, it actually leads to unfinished tasks. Too many of us are guilty of keeping multiple tabs open on our computer screens, hoping to come back to them at some point. However, most of the time, we end up losing track of these tabs and forgetting about them altogether. This can lead to a backlog of incomplete tasks and an overwhelmingly cluttered digital workspace, hindering your productivity and efficiency.
So how can we regain our focus?
Create a To-Do List and Prioritize
I am a big believer in to-do lists. I use it daily on a personal and work level. It is a powerful tool to keep you focused on what needs to get done. Start by prioritizing your tasks based on importance and urgency. Then, organize your list of tasks to be completed in a specific order. This next part is the most important. As you complete each task, make sure to cross it off your list. Take a moment to enjoy the sense of accomplishment and motivation before moving on to the next task.
"Multitasking is merely the opportunity to screw up more than one thing at a time." - Steve Uzzell, American photographer and author.
Block Your Time
Benjamin Franklin was an early adopter of this technique. He avidly detailed every hour of his day including rest and lunch. Instead of trying to do everything all at once, allocate specific time periods for focused work on one task without interruptions. During these time blocks, silence your phone and close unnecessary tabs on your computer. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the task at hand and get into a state of flow in order to maximize your productivity.
Conclusion
While multitasking may seem like an efficient way to save time and get more done, I personally believe that it hinders productivity and decreases the quality of our work. For anyone that wants to be more effective and focused, I suggest focusing on one task at a time in order to improve your productivity, reduce stress, and achieve better results in your work and personal life.
