Why Multitasking is a Bad Idea

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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?

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Further Reading in Time Management

• Time management - Are you trying to do too much?
  Time management - Are you trying to do too much? If you are having trouble with time management prioritisation and planning; then there are four main possible causes: There is too much to do. You are trying to do too much. You are not prioritising properly. You are not organised properly...
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• Time Management Training: The Disease of Distraction
  We live in a world full of distractions. Everywhere there are people trying to grab your attention: Facebook, twitter, text message, emails and more. Trying to stay on track can be difficult.
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• Time planning
  Time planning Planning ahead (in writing) is one of the keys to personal effectiveness. You need to plan ahead. Failure to plan ahead would force you into the position of acting without a plan, meaning; you would be making it up as you go along, which would mean that you are...
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• How to Manage Emails Effectively
  Emails have become a big distraction in the workplace. It is hard to stay focused on your work when incoming emails are forever grabbing your attention, especially when they turn out to be unimportant. Here are some great tips for dealing with them.
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• Don't Leave it to the Last Minute
  One of the most common mistakes people make, is to leave things until the last minute. Preparation is the distinguishing factor that separates the winners from the losers.
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