When Multitasking Hurts You
Today we check emails, answer phones, and work on projects, projects, and more projects, with meetings in between.
What is the resounding thought?
The more you handle, the more you complete.
False!
Numerous studies show that multitasking doesn’t help you get more done. In fact, it can be a burden.
Beware of the overload.
Balance your tasks without complicating them.
Ideally, multitasking proves more effective when…
…information needs to flow fast. If others are waiting on you before they respond to a customer or move a critical project forward, it can be frustrating if you’re not available. Picking up the phone or responding to email or talking to customers—even while you’re working on something else—can be important, especially if you have all of information others don’t.
…you’re stuck. Sometimes it can be useful to focus on a difficult task. But when you reach a big obstacle, you may simply need to walk away and do something else while your mind solves the problem, instead of wasting time. With a fresh focus, problems tend to become more manageable.
In reality, multitasking is the least effective plan of action.
When you overload your activities with too many projects, and too many errands in between, they clash and distract you. The effort is always stressed and high-strung, but the results are usually sub-par and lacking.
What can you do when work overloads and time flies by?
- Make a mental Priority List.
- Schedule your day.
- Shift focus only when necessary.
- Take small breaks to adjust your list.
- Cross tasks off of your list (it boosts your mood).
There is power in precision.
