Time to stop multitasking?
EARLIER this week I was sitting at my desk trying to type up some session notes, plan the therapy group I was running later that afternoon and eat my lunch.
The result? I ended up writing about what I was thinking, forgetting what had happened in the therapy session and dropping a considerable amount of egg mayonnaise on my computer keyboard.
In a busy society, we often operate under the assumption that by multitasking – carrying out multiple tasks simultaneously – we can save time and increase our productivity.
However, as was the case in my experience, there is now compelling evidence that rather than boosting our performance, multitasking can in fact hinder our progress, make us more prone to mistakes and generally get us in a bit of a pickle.
The first thing to note is that even when we think we’re multitasking, we probably aren’t.
Carrying out two tasks simultaneously is possible but only when: one task is so well rehearsed it has become automatic; and the two tasks require different forms of processing in the brain.
So, while you may be able to drive and listen to the radio, you can’t simultaneously hold a conversation and read an email as they both involve the brain’s language processing centre.
Often what we’re actually doing when we say we’re “multitasking” is repeatedly switching back and forth between tasks or, serial tasking. Unfortunately, serial tasking is neither efficient nor effective.
Research has shown that switching between multiple tasks can take up to 40% more time than focussing on a single task until completion before moving on to the next.
So the next time you find yourself facing several competing priorities and the urge to tackle them all at once, try following the tips below.
■ Prioritise in order of urgency, value and effort – When the tasks on your to do list seem equally important, first rank them in order of urgency (which tasks have the most negative consequences if you don’t complete them now?), then value (completion of which tasks will result in the greatest benefit to you?), and finally the amount of effort required. ■ Focus your attention mindfully – We all have an “observing self” that can choose to focus our awareness on anything that we can perceive through our senses. Think of this part of you as a spotlight that can illuminate whatever it is that you are focussing on. Notice when your focus drifts and gently guide your spotlight back to the task at hand.
■ Reward yourself for effective performance – Give yourself a pat on the back when you succeed at completing one task at a time.
■ Do whatever feels most rewarding – a cup of coffee, a breath of fresh air or praising yourself for a job well done. Rewards, or positive reinforcement, is key to increasing the chances of the desired behaviour occurring again.
Dr Ellie Milby is a counselling psychologist