Why Multitasking is a myth and harms more than it helps.

When it comes to being efficient, it is believed that 'multitasking' is a skill that sets people apart.

Yes, we can do multiple things at once. However, we can't really concentrate on multiple things together. This assumption has become common as we try to balance different things. The work gets done, and so we think that multitasking allows people to do so. As a result, we see people praised for 'multitasking'. Even job postings state it as a trait!

A few examples:

• Reading mails while attending a team meeting

• Scrolling your phone when talking

• Texting when driving

Unfortunately, Multitasking comes at cost and reduces efficiency (not increases it)

When multitasking, you switch concentration between two tasks.

If I'm deeply lost reading a book or blog post, and respond to a notification on my phone, it takes a while for me to regain focus on what I was reading. "Where was I ?". Instead, if you keep your phone away, and read your book for a fixed duration, you don't shift context.

How do we go from Multitasking to Prioritizing

Work on the task that matters at this moment. An approach like Time Blocking will help.

As a result you don't have to face the mental cost of jumping to-and-fro. As you focus completely on one task, you will finish it faster and do a better job. In time, this effect compounds.

Multitasking isn't a badge of honour - neither is overworking

In order to be efficient and not work late hours, work on specific tasks instead of multitasking.

In an economy of knowledge workers, the ability to master hard things and produce at an elite level are lacking. By a sustained, concentrated approach to working, you can thrive in an economy where multitasking slows people down.

“Human beings, it seems, are at their best when immersed deeply in something challenging.”
― Cal Newport