The Multitasking Myth vs. Single-Tasking Advantages

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

As busy people, you take pride in the tasks you achieve throughout the day; you may even double-book your calendar. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and you place some self-worth on your ability to be productive and check off items on your to-do list.

You take work calls while driving, cook dinner while helping with homework, respond to emails while on Zoom. You find satisfaction in managing it all, sometimes you even tell yourselves it’s work-life balance.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂?

As small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals with goals and responsibilities, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and short on time. Making it tempting to believe in multitasking benefits and overlooking single-tasking advantages.

How effective are you when you juggle multiple tasks? Are you doing a disservice to your brain as your concentration fluctuates between activities – becoming accustomed to shifting your attention easily and frequently?

Multitasking is associated with 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀. While it may feel good in the moment to be getting so much done, it is actually having an adverse affect on brain health.

Let’s do a productivity comparison. Regularly toggling between tasks makes you vulnerable to distractions, allowing stress to build up as you continuously switch gears. Other multitasking pitfalls include the increased likelihood of making mistakes and experiencing burnout.

On the other hand, single-tasking has measurable benefits.

Taking the time to concentrate on one task at a time can lead to 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆.

The reduced stress levels and improved mindfulness experienced from single-tasking positively impact your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Image by Gustavo Fring on Pexels

The truth is people are naturally wired to be single-taskers. It is an overly busy lifestyle that causes you to lean into multitasking.

Single-tasking improves and sharpens your performance and your ability to focus. The act of mindfulness and slowing down can naturally improve all of these elements.

Taking these four small steps toward single-tasking can help establish efficient work habits, as well as reduce stress and distractions:

One thing you can do to make this easier is to focus on time management strategies, such as setting a timer before you begin a project or get fully zoned into your work.

Make an effort to 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 so that you focus your attention where it’s needed most and allow yourself uninterrupted focus periods.

𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 on your computer and phone as these are designed to shift your attention onto something new.

Take a 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 between tasks to help you slow down and allow your concentration to relax and welcome new ideas.

As you weigh the pros and cons of multitasking, there can be challenges in transitioning from being a multitasker to a single-tasker. It takes a shift in mindset to become comfortable in the new role. The most important thing is to be mindful and kind to yourself along the way.

Interested in more time management strategies? Read my article outlining six things to stop doing now if you want to add more time back into your day.

If you need help with anything mentioned here – such as leaning into single-tasking, concentration techniques, time management skills, and task prioritization – email me at info@worklesscreatemore.com.

You can also join my email list here.

Maureen Considine is Founder and CEO of Finding Your Way Coaching. A Master Coach with expertise in Income Acceleration, Business Development, Sales and Mindset, she is the Wealth Health Creation Strategist for entrepreneurs, executives, and other high performers. Maureen has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. She has helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their true potential using her unique, intuitive, and holistic approach. Maureen has a B.A. in Psychology, with training in mindset and the Psychology of Sales.