In our times, multitasking is the norm. Many organizations list the ability to multitask effectively as a top requirement across a variety of job descriptions. We pride ourselves on being able to do two things at once in order to save time and, theoretically, be more productive. But research shows this may not be the case.
It makes you think twice
It is possible to do two things at once. However, multitasking is actually just switching our attention back-and-forth quickly between two cognitive tasks. And, when we divide our attention, we make more mistakes and end up taking longer to complete the tasks. In essence, we are really "multiswitching."
Dr. Travis Bradberry, a leading expert on emotional intelligence and published author, says that multitasking may be damaging our brains. He points to research from Stanford University which compared groups of people based on their tendency to multitask and their belief that it helps their performance. They found that heavy multitaskers - those who multitask a lot and feel that it boosts their performance - were actually worse at multitasking than those who like to do a single thing at a time. The frequent multitaskers performed worse because they had more trouble organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information, and they were slower at switching from one task to another.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, a leading expert on emotional intelligence and published author, says that multitasking may be damaging our brains. He points to research from Stanford University which compared groups of people based on their tendency to multitask and their belief that it helps their performance. They found that heavy multitaskers - those who multitask a lot and feel that it boosts their performance - were actually worse at multitasking than those who like to do a single thing at a time. The frequent multitaskers performed worse because they had more trouble organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information, and they were slower at switching from one task to another.
You're losing IQ points
Our brains can really only focus on one thing at a time. When we try to do two things at once, our brain is unable to accomplish both tasks well. If you've ever tried to text and drive, you know that this is true. Studies also show that multitasking reduces our IQ to a level that is equivalent to the effects of smoking marijuana or staying up all night. Dr. Bradberry says, "So the next time you’re writing your boss an email during a meeting, remember that your cognitive capacity is being diminished to the point that you might as well let an 8-year-old write it for you."
“It is not that we have too little time to do all the things we need to do, it is that we feel the need to do too many things in the time we have.”
- Gary Keller
- Gary Keller
Just do one thing
In reality, none of us can get around the fact that multitasking is a part of our everyday lives. And it's also a fact that it will continue to cause us to make more mistakes and to write like an 8-year-old. But, you can take opportunities throughout the day to flip your switch to "singletask mode" for a few minutes at a time. Doing one thing at a time will help you reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and who knows...maybe even add a few IQ points.
Try these simple tips to flip your switch to "singletask mode":
• Do one thing at a time for 10 minutes.
• Wherever you are, focus your attention on 5 different objects for 5 seconds each.
• Reduce the speed at which you perform any one task.
• Take 3 deep breaths all the way in, and all the way out.
• Silence all notifications on your mobile device for 15 minutes.
How will you flip the switch on multitasking?
Try these simple tips to flip your switch to "singletask mode":
• Do one thing at a time for 10 minutes.
• Wherever you are, focus your attention on 5 different objects for 5 seconds each.
• Reduce the speed at which you perform any one task.
• Take 3 deep breaths all the way in, and all the way out.
• Silence all notifications on your mobile device for 15 minutes.
How will you flip the switch on multitasking?
Charles Gosset is a Certified Professional Life and Leadership Coach (ACC, CPC) and founder of Full Integration Coaching, LLC. He helps big-hearted people with huge drive lead exceptional lives. You can find out more about him and the transformational services he offers by visiting www.fullintegrationcoaching.com.
RSS Feed
