Confucius once said, “The man who chases two rabbits, catches none” – or something like that. Multitasking is a bit like chasing two rabbits – we set our sights on one goal, then shift them to another while still trying to keep track of the first goal. In the end, instead of completing multiple tasks more quickly, they often end up taking longer and aren’t done as well as if we had focused on one at a time.
I used to think I was a good (make that great) multi-tasker. I could carry on a phone conversation and check email at the same time. Ha – I sure was surprised a while ago during a phone conversation with a business associate when she asked me what I thought of her idea and I realized I had no idea what she was talking about. I was reading my emails while she was talking, and somehow my brain stopped paying attention even though my ears were well aware of the fact that she was talking. As it turns out, our brain can’t multitask, but rather, it switches back and forth between activities, paying attention to only one at a time – or in my case, eventually paying attention to only one thing for an extended period of time.
The New York Times reports that, “While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress. And scientists are discovering that even after the multitasking ends, fractured thinking and lack of focus persist.”
It’s understandable that we feel the need to multitask – our lives are becoming increasingly complex, ironically due in part to the technology that was supposed to make our lives easier. We are constantly accessible by phone, email and text messages help make sure we’re never caught up on our communications, and social media soaks up even more of our time. Our attention is being pulled in so many directions that we feel as though we have to multitask just to keep our heads above water.
Ever since my embarrassing phone fiasco, I’ve made a point not to multitask, or to stop it as soon as I’m aware I’m doing it. I’ve found that when my eyes as well as my brain are purposely focused on one thing at a time I feel less frazzled and more in control. Without trying to sound overbearing, I’d like to challenge you to stop whatever multitasking you engage in, just for a day, or even just for an hour, and let me know how it affects your productivity.
Best wishes for success,
Great article Sue! I learned this the hard way also and still rededicate myself to the goal numerous times daily. I call it “one and done”. Give full attention to something till it is complete, then switch to a new task. When I am successful, it feels wonderful. It also helps me be more respectful of others attempting the same. Thank you for sharing!
I could not agree more! Besides creating concentration difficulties, trying to do too many things leave us stressed out and disappointed that we didn’t get through everything we were ‘’supposed” to do. I have found that making a list of things I need to get done makes it easier because I am not trying to get all done at once from fear I will forget one thing or another. And I do not put the stress of trying to get everything done that day or week. There will be tomorrow and next week. Our whole body and mind need to take some time off to relax and enjoy life: playing a game of cards with your kids, eating a family meal with no television, having lunch in a park, etc There are so many beautiful things in life to enjoy. Also this has a positive effect on our mood. I believe in no tv in kitchens and bedrooms. These are little steps to a healthier self. Try it, what have you got to loose !
Thank you both for your insight – you sound like you know how to live in the moment, which makes life much more fulfilling.
I enjoyed the article and these comments. I will be chanting ‘one and done’ as my new mantra! I am trying hard to focus and be in the present moment.
The more sense I can focus on a single task, the better the quality of my engagement.
Case in point: if I close my eyes while talking/listening on the phone, I am less tempted to try to read something. (And we just saw how THAT worked for you!)
When I am interviewing a candidate, I try to make eye contact and listen as much as possible. I can hold those “notes” in my head for a few minutes rather than talking to my lap, writing on a tablet, and hoping I am listening, and hoping the candidate is listening as well!
Thanks for the reminder: one at a time and more tasks can be completed!
I couldn’t agree more!
Here is my major multitasking pet peeve…………
People sitting right across from you conversing with you who think their ringing or binging cell phone takes precedence over the conversation with you. Can we please get back to focusing on the person that is there LIVE and give PEOPLE our attention. We need a national campaign on this one……………..no one seems to have any manners anymore and they are teaching and modeling this to their children.
So true, Kristen. I see this all the time. Maybe we can petition Oprah to do a show on this (or maybe she already has) – she seems to capture the nation’s attention.