So You Think You Can Multitask? Think Again
Second Of The Six Lies That Stand Between You And Your Success
"To do two things at once is to do neither." - Publilius Syrus
My mother is a pro in the kitchen.
At one point, she'll be chopping; the next, she'll be cleaning the dishes. Then she'll be putting the bread slices in the toaster; while also taking out the veggies we need from the fridge for lunch. Three out of four burners are simultaneously working - one will have rice, the other some dish, the third with some lentils.
It is an exhausting job, feeding and taking care of the family.
And I inherited this trait from her.
I have tried multitasking many times with different projects and tasks.
And each time, I have ended up exhausted.
That's because multitasking is a lie.
Let me explain how, why and what to do about it.
History of Multitask
The term 'multitask' was initially used to describe computers. Not humans.
In the computer sense, multitasking means "multiple tasks alternately sharing one resource (the CPU)".
When computers multitask, it switches from one code to another, alternating their attention until both tasks are done. But realise this - they are only processing one code at a time. The speed at which they switch gives us the illusion that the computer is working on a million things simultaneously.
But, over time, the term 'multitask' started being used for humans. In the case of humans, it meant "multiple tasks being done simultaneously by one resource (the person)".
Here's where we make a mistake.
We assume that we can switch tasks as effectively as the computers.
I am sorry to burst your bubble, but we humans can't do that.
Sure, we can do two things at the same time, like walk and talk, but we can't focus on two things at the same time. There's a huge difference there.
The bouncing back and forth of attention is acceptable for the computers. But the human brain can't handle the repercussions.
"It's not that we have too little time to do all the things we need to do, it's that we feel the need to do too many things in the time we have. So we double and triple up in the hope of getting everything done."
But that's an illusion. What we are doing is "just driving ourselves bananas."
The Task-Switching Conundrum
Here's what we don't realise when we switch from one task to another.
Physically, we quickly make the switch from, let's say, checking our social media to getting back to writing that report. But mentally, that, my friend, is a totally different game.
When you switch from one task to another, the complex nature of each makes it difficult for the brain to shift gears.
"It always takes some time to start a new task and restart the one you quit, and there's no guarantee that you'll ever pick up exactly where you left off."
This is a problem I face almost daily.
I sit down to write, and then someone in the house will require my help. And then when I come back, I notice that I lost my flow and mojo. I would even lose my train of thought. It will take me a long time to get back into the mood of the piece I was writing.
That's a very frustrating situation to be in.
"Every time we try to do two or more things at once, we're simply dividing up our focus and dumbing down all the outcomes in the process."
The Solution?
It's simple.
"Figure out what matters most in the moment and give it your undivided attention."
So,
when your partner is talking to you, keep the phone aside.
when you're studying, don't play music that has lyrics in them.
when you're taking care of your child, don't watch YouTube.
when you're driving, please don't talk on the phone.
And many such situations that arise in your day.
Multitasking will cost you time, peace, relationships and, ultimately, your life.
"Multitasking is merely the opportunity to screw up more than one thing at a time."
- Steve Uzzell
(I recommend reading The One Thing by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan which inspired this article.)
You might also want to read -
The Six Lies That Stand Between You And Your Success
So You Think Everything Matters Equally? Think Again
So You Think You Can Have A Disciplined Life? Think Again
So You Think You Have Willpower On Speed-Dial? Think Again
So You Think You Can Have Balanced Life? Think Again
So You Think Going Big Will Hurt You? Think Again