A lot of women especially mothers pride themselves in the ability to multitask as it gives a sense of getting more done in less time.
However several studies have found that multitasking can actually result in wasting around 20 – 40 per cent of our time, depending on what we are trying to accomplish.
Definitely, there are times when you can multitask. This is working on more than one task at the same time, when one of the tasks doesn’t necessarily require much brain work or can be done on autopilot is reasonable.
In fact I would recommend you batch such tasks together; such as ironing and listening to an inspirational podcast or music, cooking several meals at the same time or listening to the radio when driving.
However when it comes to doing more than one tasks that requires thinking, concentration or that you are present, especially at your job, life and/or business, it is a myth that multitasking makes you more productive and faster.
Some few scenarios could be:
Texting and drive at the same time
Listening to your child and browsing your phone
Working on a critical document and talking to someone on the phone
Working on two different documents at the same time
Working on a presentation and browsing WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram.
Multitasking can be dangerous in some cases. In some cases it can lower the quality of your work. Not just one but both tasks would suffer when you multitask. It is possible that you could also feel overwhelmed and stressed as you have all these things you are juggling in your mind at the same time.
Think about it, when you try to multitask how do you feel? Probably tired, frustrated, hurried and overwhelmed. Your brain might feel overloaded. You are probably more cranky than usual. If you keep trying to multitask it can result to you getting burnt out.
Now think of how satisfied you feel when you devote your full attention to just one task at a time. You are more focused, and you’ll probably finish that task feeling as if you’ve not only completed something, but also put in your best.
So how can you stop multitasking?
One simple but life changing way to help you stay focused and get your work done quicker; set a timer for 15- 30 minutes (estimate how long it would take you to complete the task) and focus SOLELY on that task, blazing your way through it. When the timer goes off, take a such break and give yourself permission to move on to the next task.
If your phone is a distraction then switch it off or put it on airplane mode when you need to concentrate on a task. I notice when I do this simply step I achieve a whole lot more than when I am stopping constantly to reply messages on WhatsApp or Facebook. During your break time you can catch up on your messages before continuing with your work.
Try this for a few days and notice how productive, efficient, stress free you become at work or in business.
Detola Amure is a Productivity and Transformational Mentor. She is the CEO of Super Working Mum. She helps mothers who are overwhelmed maximise their time so they can manifest their God given dreams. She is an Author and International Speaker. She also helps her customers who are stuck with technology get unstuck.
