5 Ways Successful People Avoid Multitasking (and Multi-slacking) At Work
multitasking won't lead to your best results

Recent estimates show a 40% productivity loss when multitasking. In essence, psychology research confirms we can only focus on one task at a time. Therefore, “multitasking” is a misnomer; we actually “task switch.” Simply put, we can only think about or do one cognitive task at a time. For example, we can talk or read, read or type, listen or read—one thing at a time.

Although we’re good at switching quickly, creating the illusion of multitasking, the only exception is performing a familiar physical task while doing a mental task, like walking and talking. However, a 2009 study showed that people talking on cell phones while walking bumped into others more often and were less aware of their surroundings.

Facts about task-switching:

  • It takes longer to complete tasks when switching between them, hindering effective multitasking.
  • Switching leads to more errors.
  • Complex tasks increase time and error penalties.
  • Each switch may waste only 1/10th of a second, but these add up to a potential 40% productivity loss.
  • Task switching involves multiple brain areas: the pre-frontal cortex for focus and selection, the posterior parietal lobe for task rules, the anterior cingulate gyrus for error monitoring, and the pre-motor cortex for movement preparation.

Stanford’s Clifford Nass notes that people dealing with multiple information streams struggle with attention, memory, and switching effectiveness.

Here are 5 ways successful people avoid multitasking and multislacking:

  1. Use the 80/20 rule: Focus on the 20% of tasks that yield 80% of your results. Being busy doesn’t equal effectiveness.
  2. Prioritize: Tackle your most important tasks first to reduce anxiety and boost accomplishment.
  3. Batch process: Instead of constant email checks, designate specific times for email and other distractions to avoid multitasking.
  4. Use concentrated time: Dedicate blocks of time to single tasks, minimizing distractions.
  5. Leave blank spaces: Allow your brain downtime for problem-solving and creativity.

Final Thought:

Minimize multitasking for optimal results. Practice the tactics of successful people to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

discernment

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