Why Multitasking is a Bad Idea

Important: GDPR Email Preferences

As you may already know, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be coming into effect on 25th May 2018. We take your privacy seriously and we are working hard to ensure we comply with the new data protection laws. You can find out more about how we're doing this in our privacy policy on our website.

We want to make sure you continue to receive the latest newsletters, blogs, special offers and more.

As someone who has opted-in to receive our emails in the past, we’d like to give you this opportunity to confirm what you wish to receive:

Just so you know, if you don’t let us know what kinds of emails you want to receive from us, we’ll stop emailing you on the 24th May 2018 - you'll be missing out!

You are of course free to change your mind at any time – just follow the link at the bottom of any of our emails.

Advert

Why multitasking is a bad idea

Many people advocate developing the art of multitasking, on the mistaken belief that that performing multiple tasks will multiply their personal effectiveness.

Multitasking sounds like a good idea, but it's wrong.

It is wrong, because it fails to consider the fact that, the conscious mind can only focus on one thing at a time.

You can prove this to yourself. Try writing a letter, whilst simultaneously reciting a nursery rhyme. You won't be able to do it.

If you try both, you'll do neither.

Think of a magnifying glass that is being used to concentrate light onto a single point. At the focus point, the concentrated heat can do a lot of work.

Now remove the lens from the magnifying glass, and change it for plain glass (a non-lens). Now the glass spreads its energy; but at no point is it of sufficient intensity to get any work done.

You can either use your mind as a lens, capable of focusing your forces, and thus creating a high degree of mind power.

Or you could use your mind as a non-lens, dissipate your thought-forces and become incapable of any useful work.

This is the negative consequence of multitasking.

So, we can say that multitasking is a bad idea.

Prioritisation

Instead of multitasking, we recommend that you prioritise your tasks, do them one-at-a time, with 100% of your mental focus.

Then you will make more progress, in less time.

We have created a fantastic free app that will enable you to prioritise your tasks: WhatsNext? Prioritisation App.

Why not give it a try and discover the best way to organise your time?

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Your Comments

Further Reading in Time Management

• Why multitasking is a bad idea
  We all have so much to do and so little time, that we believe multitasking is the answer. The truth is however, that not only is multitasking stressful, it is inefficient. So, why is multitasking a bad idea and what is the alternative?
  Read Article >
• Time Management Skills: Planning Ahead
  Time Management Skills: Planning Ahead One of the best things you could do for yourself is to develop the discipline of planning ahead Planning ahead is the best way to improve your time management skills. Planning ahead is the best way to maximise your personal effectiveness. Planning ahead will allow you...
  Read Article >
• Time-Saving Tips
  Got too much to do? Not enough time? Being constantly frazzled will not help you achieve what you need to. Take back control of your life with these great time-saving tips. Achieve the perfect work-life balance.
  Read Article >
• Eight time management skills you should master
  Time management skills are important because your time is precious. Most people have too much to do, and not enough time in which to do it. If you master all of the Time Management skills, then you will improve your performance massively.
  Read Article >
• Time management, Prioritisation and Planning
  Time management, prioritisation and planning Here is a good question for you: Should you try to do it all? Should you try to do it all........ for everyone? Should you try to do it all........ for everyone............... keep everyone happy........... all the time? Bear in mind that you only have a...
  Read Article >