Can you REALLY do more than one task at a time?
Multi-tasking has become a way of life. In fact, many productivity experts teach multi-tasking as a strategy to accomplish more in a day. The “new” generation has turned multi-tasking into an art form.
The latest research states that it can take up to 15 minutes to regain your “flow” when your attention is pulled away from an activity. When we are doing two tasks at once, we continually need to switch our focus from one activity to another, thus breaking our flow. Because our brains work so quickly, you may think the transition is seamless, however, in reality our brains are disengaging in task 1, engaging in task 2, acting in task 2, then disengaging in task 2, lather, rinse, and repeat. Each switch takes time. In fact – this morning I read an article that it can take up to 4 times as long to complete tasks when multi-tasking than when doing each task separately.
So, common practice is to multi-task, research supports concentrating on one task at a time. What should you do?
My answer – it depends!
The more important the activity, the more focused attention it deserves. I believe it is acceptable to work on two low detail &/or minimal thinking activities at the same time. For example, create hostess packets and watch TV, or check in with your team members and take a walk, or make dinner and clip coupons.
Where is multi-tasking not ideal? Talking on the phone and checking email – usually neither correspondence is handled well. (The person you are speaking with KNOWS they don’t have your attention – and you will need to rewrite the email anyway!) Creating a new booking script and entering sales tickets as both tasks require thinking and attention to detail. Watching a training video on the new products and coaching future hostesses. (You probably won’t retain ANY of the new product information!)
The next time you are tempted to do two tasks at once, consider the value you place on the accuracy of both tasks. Then decide if you want to multi-task or not!
I’d love to know your thoughts – please post below!
I agree, it TOTALLY depends. There are plenty of times that I do multi-task and I find it to be 100% beneficial. However, there are other times that I feel a task/projects/conversation deserve 100% of my attention.
Courtney –
Thanks for visiting from the UBC. Agreed . . . I don’t think mult-tasking is an “all or nothing” type activity! We just need to be mindful about which time it is!!! :) I appreciate your comment!
Lisa
I cram my days absolutely full of accomplishments. But I move from one to another, often in 15 minute increments (I set a timer). It works SO much better for me. Even talking. Some people can do tasks and chat at the same time, unless the task is REALLY easy like walking I’m better off finishing the task and then talking. Drives my kids crazy. They say “Mom” and I say “Wait a second, I have to finish this before I can listen to you.” If they talk before I look at them, I miss their first few sentences. I blame it on being deaf in my left ear and having to read lips a lot. But in reality I think I’m just a horrible multi-tasker.
Esther –
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I find I’m the same way (“Wait a second, I have to finish this before I can listen to you”) about needing to write things down. If someone tells me something and I don’t write it down, I forget it. You will often hear me say, “hang on – if I don’t write this down, I’ll never remember to do it”. I used to think that meant I had a horrible memory, now I realize I use my brain for other “things”.
Maybe you aren’t a “horrible multi-tasker” but a GREAT “uni-tasker”. (Not sure if that’s a word!!!)
Lisa
I used to be able to multi task but lost the ability to do so AFTER I give birth :( So sad… Now sometimes I can’t remember what I wanted to do like 5 mins ago. I think I need some tonic to boost my brain or memory or something :D
DinoMama –
Your reply made me giggle!! :) I’m wondering if you need some tonic – or if you need some “me time” to recharge your batteries?!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
I think I need BOTH XD
Can’t help with the tonic . . . but I can tell you to schedule time into your calendar to recharge (your body and your brain!)
Lisa
Hi Lisa,I totally agree even if I am guilty of multi-tasking. I try very hard not too but I find myself slipping back into it. You are so right, it does depend. Sometimes you can not help it when you might have family members that need attention while you are trying to compose and post a blog. :) You mentioned about emailing and talking at the same time….when I go grocery shopping and someone calls and I take the call…I find myself going down the same aisles over and over walking by what I need. I end up spending way more time in the store than I would have if I had not taken the call. LOL!I am a fellow Ultimate Blogger…and so nice to meet you. When you have time, come visit me….Wendy BaudínSelf-Love Sherpa and Wisdom Guide
Hi Wendy –
Thanks for visiting from the UBC. I totally walk up and down the aisles when I’m talking on the phone and in the grocery store also! Kindred spirits!
Just yesterday I was almost finished writing a blog post – and a family member interrupted with an “emergency”. I quickly jotted down my next thought, so I could give my full attention to the “emergency” (um . . . something funny on TV is NOT an emergency lol) and then came back to finishing the post. Having written my next thoughts down, I found much easier to get back into the flow!
Lisa