Be honest – Can you really multi-task? The answer has to be “no.” Here’s why — Multi-tasking is physically impossible! Research has determined that your brain’s working (or short-term) memory can manage as many as five stimuli at a time. But . . . this includes elements such as the temperature in the room, ambient noise, aromas, and other environmental factors. It can only attend to one stimuli, such as what a person is saying, the screen you are watching, or text you are reading. If something disrupts the environment, such as a loud noise, all these stimuli are flushed and working memory begins to assemble another set. This is why you can get really frustrated trying to multi-task. You’re dealing with an endless cycle of resets!
What many people perceive as multi-tasking is actually time-slicing according researchers. In other words, your attention bounces back and forth instantaneously from task to task. If you’re loading the dishwasher, answering robo calls, and picking up after the kids, this might be fine. But if you’re writing a report, analyzing a budget or negotiating a deal, it will be disastrous.
So stop kidding yourself. The effort you put into multi-tasking saps your energy and concentration. Attend to one task at a time. Work in an environment that allows you to concentrate. Begin with a crystal clear vision of what the accomplished task looks like, even if it’s folding the laundry. When you’re finished, move on to the next task and celebrate the sense of accomplishment.