What is Wrong With Multitasking?

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What is Wrong With Multitasking?

Multitasking is the act of attempting to effectively perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Some time management trainers advocate "multitasking" as a way to become more productive.

This is wrong advice. Because, if your aim is to perform complex tasks effectively then multitasking prevents you from achieving that goal.

People who attempt to perform multiple complex tasks simultaneously, mess up.

Effective performance can only be achieved when we focus and concentrate on one task at a time.

Why? Because the mind has only a limited amount of energy available to it, which can either be focused onto a single point of high intensity effort, or dissipated across many points, with a corresponding drop in intensity applied to each point.

Effective performance of any complex task requires high intensity mental effort, which can ONLY be accomplished by concentrating 100% of available energy onto a single point.

If more than one task is attempted, then the intensity of effort applied to each task, must be reduced to less than one hundred per cent.

Therefore, an insufficient amount of mental energy is applied to the completion of each task.

The reduced intensity of applied effort will NEVER be sufficient to "crack the case", no matter how long it is applied.

So, it is vital that we focus our minds ONLY onto the task at hand.

We concentrate on performing it in the most perfect form possible.

Then we rest and recuperate.

Then we refocus our minds onto the next task and give it the maximum concentration we can muster, and in the best form we can.

Then we rest, recuperate and repeat.

We don't try to shoot two ducks with one shot, because we will miss both.

Instead we get the ducks in a row and knock them off, one at a time.

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus". Alexander Graham Bell

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About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Time Management

• What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?
  The principle of time blocking will give you more control over your day and allow you to focus on the tasks to be done. Protect your time, improve your focus and deter procrastination, that way you will accomplish more in your day.
  Read Article >
• Managing Stress
  Reducing your stress levels can be achieved by management of your work load and time pressures, together with managing the emotional responses to such pressures.
  Read Article >
• What is Wrong With Multitasking?
  Many people believe that they can juggle multiple tasks at once. The truth is, that they never manage to do anything well. The fact is that lack of focus causes mistakes.
  Read Article >
• Time Management Apps to Enhance Productivity
  Everyone wants to make maximum progress with the least amount of time and effort. We have created the best time management apps to help you prioritise, set goals and make decisions. These apps are FREE and will help enhance your productivity.
  Read Article >
• Why are some meetings a waste of time?
  Do you feel meetings are a waste of time? Here are some tips to help you decide whether a meeting should be held and an app to help you calculate the approximate cost of the meeting.
  Read Article >

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