The Myth of Multitasking: Why It’s Time to Focus on One Thing at a Time

Does this sound like you —juggling emails, hopping between meetings, trying to complete a task while listening to a podcast in the background? Multitasking feels like the ultimate productivity tool in today’s fast-paced world. After all, doing two or three things at once means you’re getting more done, right?

The truth is, multitasking is a myth. It doesn’t make us more productive; in fact, it often slows us down and reduces the quality of our work. So why do we keep doing it, and how can we break the habit?

 The Science Behind Multitasking

Our brains simply aren’t designed to focus on multiple high-level tasks at the same time. What we call “multitasking” is really just rapid task-switching. Each time we switch from one task to another, our brains have to refocus. Research shows that it can take up to 25 minutes to get back into a deep state of concentration after an interruption.

This constant switching causes cognitive fatigue, reducing our ability to concentrate and lowering the quality of our work. Multitasking may feel efficient, but it actually makes us less productive in the long run.

 My Experience with Multitasking 

I’d love to say I’ve cracked the multitasking challenge, but in reality, like many of us, I still face back-to-back meetings and have to switch topics frequently throughout the day. However, I’ve learned to approach it differently. Now, I start each day by thinking through the tasks ahead—where I’m likely to experience mental fatigue, and how I can manage it.

I prioritise my most important tasks early in the day, when my focus is at its best. I also plan short breaks during transition points to recharge between meetings or shifts in topics. While the demands of the day often force me to switch focus, taking that time to prepare myself in advance has helped me feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the constant switching. It’s not perfect, but it’s made a noticeable difference

Why Multitasking Fails Us?

 Multitasking doesn’t just slow us down; it impacts our overall well-being. Here’s why it’s time to ditch multitasking:

Decreased Quality of Work - When switching between tasks, mistakes are more likely to happen. The lack of focus can mean tasks are completed poorly or need redoing.

Mental Exhaustion - Task-switching burns more mental energy, leading to faster burnout and reduced effectiveness.

Lower Creativity - Complex problem-solving and creative thinking require uninterrupted focus. Multitasking hinders this process, reducing our ability to come up with fresh ideas.

“That all sounds great Jo but what tips do you have to help me NOT multi-task?”

So, how can we break the habit of multitasking and reclaim our focus? Here are five practical strategies to help you get into deep work:

1. Set Themed Days or Time Blocks 

   Group similar tasks together by setting aside specific days or time blocks for different types of work. For example, reserve Mondays for meetings, Tuesdays for strategy, and so on. This helps minimise the mental load that comes with switching between topics.

2. Turn Off Notifications 

   Constant notifications are one of the biggest obstacles to deep work. Turn off email, Teams, and phone notifications when you need to focus. Set specific times during the day to check emails and messages, so you’re not pulled away from your key tasks.

3. Prioritise Your Most Important Task (MIT) 

   At the start of each day, decide what your Most Important Task (MIT) is. This should be the one thing you absolutely need to complete. Tackle it first before moving on to anything else. This ensures you make progress on critical work before distractions creep in.

4. Create a “Not-To-Do” List 

   Alongside your to-do list, create a "not-to-do" list. This should include tasks and behaviours that tend to distract you (like checking social media, or responding to every email as it comes in). By identifying and acknowledging these distractions, you can avoid falling into old habits.

5. Use a Timer for Focus Sessions 

   Try using the Pomodoro Technique (work in focused 25-minute blocks, followed by short breaks), or simply set a timer for 60-90 minutes of deep work. Knowing that you have a scheduled break coming up can help you resist the temptation to multitask.

 Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity

Multitasking is a habit many of us have developed in response to today’s fast-paced, always-connected world. But while it might feel like we’re getting more done, it actually harms our productivity and well-being. By focusing on one task at a time and using techniques like time-blocking and turning off notifications, we can enter a state of deep work, where we’re able to produce our best work without feeling overwhelmed.