Are you under the impression that you have to multi-task in order to be productive and “get it all done”? If so, you’re not alone. Many people, stressed out and overwhelmed by the volume of their to-do list feel compelled to speed up, work faster, push harder, and do multiple things at the same time.

Well, I’ve got news for you – the truth about multi-tasking is it actually reduces productivity. If you try to do two things at once, you won’t do either of them well. In fact, studies show that multi-tasking decreases your productivity by as much as 40%!

Still, we’ve all seen countless job descriptions that describe the ideal candidate as someone who is good at multi-tasking. In that example, multi-tasking is portrayed as a desirable characteristic and a skill that only some people possess. However, it has been well established in many studies that no one has the ability to effectively multi-task.  In addition, multi-tasking decreases productivity and increases stress.

So why do people multi-task?

Some people think that they can save time and be more efficient by trying to do more than one thing at a time. While most people think they are being more productive, growing research shows that multi-tasking actually makes you less efficient and reduces brainpower to perform each task.

Our brains don’t actually multi-task, they just rapidly switch between tasks. Sometimes this switch occurs fast enough for us to think that we are doing several things at once. However, every time we switch it takes anywhere from a few seconds to fifteen minutes for your brain to fully re-engage. This makes you feel incredibly busy, decreases creativity and productivity, and increases stress and anxiety.

Most of the time, multi-tasking is not the best choice for increasing productivity.  So remember, when you find yourself checking your texts, replying to Email and talking on the phone all at the same time, you may want to focus on just one activity.

How can you stop multi-tasking?

The primary skill we need to overcome multi-tasking is the ability to FOCUS.  We also need to be able to handle interruptions and eliminate distractions. Focus on one task at a time.  This means doing something, and thinking about what you’re doing, at the same time.

The task that you are working on “right now” should be the only thing that you are focused on.  Eliminate all other distraction. Silence your phone, turn off email notifications, put a “do not disturb” sign on your door, etc.. Clear clutter in your workspace, which in turn will allow you to be more focused and productive.

The real truth about multi-tasking and productivity

Multitasking will not make you more productive.

People who are most productive and successful utilize their talents and energy to fully focus on one specific task at a time. They do that task to the best of their ability, without interruption and for short focused periods.  By focusing on one task at a time, you can consistently get more of the important things done in less time, and you’ll be working smarter, not harder, to get results.

What’s next?

Are you interested in learning more strategies you can use to tame the multi-tasking beast, increase your focus and work smarter, not harder? Then you’ll want to join our “It’s About Time” virtual productivity program. In March, the theme for the month will be “Multi-tasking Makes You Stupid”.

This is also one of the topics we work on with our private coaching clients – helping them to increase their focus, organization and productivity so that they are more efficient, effective and ultimately have more time for what matters most.

If your work group or association needs to learn about the truth about multi-tasking and productivity, talk to us about our Multitasking Makes You Stupid workshop. In just an hour, you’ll learn to work with focus and intention. We’ll share tips to optimize your schedule, minimize distractions, manage interruptions and learn when to just say “no”.

Set up a Discovery Call with Simply Placed to find out how we can best help you achieve your goals.  We’d be honored to partner with you in your success!