A client recently asked, “Can we talk about multitasking? I know the research says there’s really no such thing. But I to do it anyway.”
Yup. Who hasn’t tried to wrangle the multitasking beast?
We answer a phone call while we’re writing an email. We pretend to listen to our partner while searching for that website tab we accidentally closed. We listen to a podcast at the same time we try to write a proposal (emphasis on the try).
And then there’s task switching (other call it switch tasking). It should be easy to set boundaries from coworkers interrupting with, “Hey, do you have a minute?”
We manage to cut in on ourselves without anyone’s help, however. We check Instagram in the middle of editing a report. We suspend planning an agenda for an upcoming staff meeting to scroll through email.
And for those of us who claim to be good at multitasking, research proves otherwise. Studies reveal that multitaskers are less productive. Serial multitaskers require more time to complete the tasks they juggle. They’re unable to fully concentrate on any one job and block irrelevant information from the important. And of course, multitasking can put others at risk.
Still not convinced?
If you’re thinking, “Ah, I can multitask. Do it all the time,” try this little experiment.[1]
Part A:
- Get a stopwatch ready and grab a piece of paper.
- On the paper draw a horizontal line.
- Start the stopwatch and write, “I am a great multitasker” above the line, and the numerals 1 – 27 below the line.
- Note your time.
- You’ll end up with something like this:
Part B:
- Now draw another horizontal line on your piece of paper.
- Get your stopwatch ready again.
- Start the stopwatch, and this time write one letter of the statement above the line, and one numeral below; the next letter above the line and the next numeral below. Repeat letter above, number below like this:
4. Check your time.
Chances are trial #2 will take you twice as long (or more) than your first trial.
So What?
So, why should we try to eliminate (or at least diminish) our multitasking/task switching and interruptions? Well, completing tasks in a more timely and thorough fashion, and not putting others at risk are three good reasons. A few others come to mind:
- The present moment is all we really have. It’s in the present moment that we can focus and notice. Ellen Langer explains, “When you actively notice things, … it turns out, after a lot of research,…that it’s literally, not just figuratively, enlivening.”
- When we focus on one task, really focus, we’re more likely to find pleasure in that task. That’s true for me, whether I’m writing at my desk or weeding in the garden. Sure, there are times when manual tasks provide opportunity to plan or wrestle out a solution to a problem. There are also times when it’s just good to wash the dishes.
- We have a lower (and healthier?) heart rate when we’re doing just one thing rather than juggling several.
- Giving undivided attention to the person on the phone call, on Zoom, or on the couch is the gift of listening and presence. Who doesn’t want to really be heard?
Now What?
Behavior change works best when we start small and build on small successes. Perhaps one of the following might help you take those first, small steps.
- Notice when you’re tempted to multitask or task switch. Just notice. Don’t judge. Notice.
- Then ask yourself—
- What’s going on that pushes me to multitask or task switch here?
- What can I do differently in this moment?
- Choose one time each day to make a point of doing just one thing. What do you notice? What do you learn?
Leave the multitask beast in its cage. Focus. Notice. Be.
[1] This self-test shows up in several places. I’m not its originator.