DOES MULTI-TASKING EXIST: MYTHS AND REALITIES

The term multi-tasking has become quite popular nowadays. Its use has been so extensive that this term can be frequently found in the resumes of the job applicants. In offices, multi-tasking is a commonly heard word since the workers are made to perform multiple tasks throughout the day. But is it possible for us to do multi-tasking at the same time? Or is multi-tasking only a myth? Let’s delve into this and find out whether multi-tasking is a myth and if it is so, how to perform our multiple tasks efficiently.  

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF MULTI-TASKING?

Multi-tasking means carrying out a number of tasks at the same time. For example, handling client calls and checking mail simultaneously or watching news on television and kneading flour and helping your kids with their homework at once.

 

WHAT MAKES MULTI-TASKING A MYTH?

Is it humanly possible to do multiple tasks simultaneously? The answer is no. To a considerable extent, the concept of multi-tasking is a myth. In general, it has become a tendency of people to do multiple tasks at once in an attempt to save time and accomplish more work in less time. But in this way, are we really multi-tasking? No, instead we are task switching.

In other words, we are not doing two tasks at the same time, but doing both of these tasks in an alternate manner till completion. For instance, when a person is answering phone calls and replying to client mails at the same time, he actually stops writing mail and answers the phone call when it comes and again switches back to writing mail once the phone call ends.

Thus, it is out of the question for a person to answer diverse questions during the phone enquiry and simultaneously reply to a mail related to a different query at the same time since the human brain is not capable of performing varied tasks at the same time.

So, on the whole, multi-tasking requires extensive mental engagement for repeated task switchings along with divergent focus.  

WHY IS TASK SWICTHING NOT A GOOD IDEA?

People have a propensity to take up diverse tasks at once with the aim of accomplishing more work in a shorter span of time, which often leads to task switching. However, frequent task switching has some detrimental effects that cost you more in life:

• Diminished Mental Capacity- Whenever we are switching from one particular task to another, say, from reading your company’s financial report to solving a mathematical problem for your kid, our brain is also shifting its focus at the same time. Our brain cannot work beyond its capacity and in the process of switching tasks each time, it takes a certain amount of time to fully rewire with the particular work, which creates mental stress.  

• Wastage of time and more errors- Time gets lost in the attempt to focus on the next work and the more we switch between tasks, the more time is wasted. Due to rapid focus shifts, our concentration and problem solving techniques get affected, resulting in error-ridden work.

• Impacts our Reflex Power and Mind-Body Sync- It increases our mental stress so much so that it affects our reflex power in certain cases. For example, accidents occur many times when people cross busy roads while talking on their mobile phones or texting while driving. The lack of attention also impacts our mind-body sync in such cases.

• Diminished Efficiency- The habit of frequent task switching declines our efficiency. The dearth of focus, attention, wastage of time and mental stress caused by task switching slow down our work pace considerably. As a result, we become much less productive at the office as well as at home.

• Lowers IQ Level- A study conducted by the University of London indicated that the persons who were engaged in multi-tasking while performing tasks requiring cognitive abilities encountered a significant drop in their IQ levels. This can be compared to the IQ level of those individuals who are sleep deprived for a night or smoke marijuana.   

• Affects Healthy Lifestyle- Multi-tasking always keeps us in an alert state, which increases our mental stress considerably.  As a result, we may experience sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, nervous breakdowns and exhaustion, which can lead to serious health issues. Multi-tasking at the office also decreases our job satisfaction, which in turn reduces our feelings of achievement.   

THE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MANAGE MULTIPLE TASKS

There are some effective strategies by adopting which we can easily break free from the bad habits of multi-tasking and can manage multiple tasks at ease-

• Understand the Importance of Your Tasks- Firstly, if you are dealing with different tasks, understand the priority of these tasks. Arrange these tasks according to their relevance and deadline. Concentrate on the tasks that are of utmost priority and then the less important ones. If you follow this method, you will be able to deliver all your tasks on time.

• Single Tasking- In today’s generation, you can’t avoid multiple tasks, but what you can avoid is doing task switching in order to complete all the assigned tasks at the same time. Take one task at a time based on its priority, complete it and then head on for the next task. In this way, you can show your full potential and become more productive.

• Set a time limit for your task’s completion- Before starting a task, set a specific time limit for completion based on its complexity and importance. In this way, you can entirely focus on that particular task with an objective and deliver it on time without getting exhausted.

• Select your space- There are some perfect places for everyone that work like magic for them while performing their tasks. For example, when a person is trying to vizualize a certain design for his company’s magazine cover page, there may be a perfect corner in his room or a big window facing the garden from where he looks out and chalks out a design better than sitting anywhere. His own desk is very special to him, as it is the place from where he executes his brilliant designs.  

• Keep your Desk Organized- A messy desk creates confusion. Avoid keeping unnecessary items on your desk so that it looks spacious and clean. Keep only the required files and books on your desk. Avoid having too many windows open on your computer, which may hinder your focus.

• Get Rid of Distractions- While performing tasks, stop checking text messages, emails and social media notifications. Mute your mobile phone and get rid of anything that is the cause of your distraction.

• Have a moment of Relaxation- Whenever you feel slightly restless or exhausted, take 10-15 minutes to relax. Just walk around a bit, do some stretches, listen to a relaxing song, or do whatever rejuvenates you to get back to your work with a bang.

• Always Quality over Quantity- Just remember that it’s only quality of work that matters the most and not quantity. Just focus on the quality of your work primarily and that’s why it is important to do single tasking. Only high quality work is genuinely appreciated.

THE BENEFITS OF SINGLE TASKING

Whatever number of tasks you are made to deal with, you must prioritize one task at a time since single tasking has certain benefits-

• High Quality Work- When we are performing a task with full focus, we give our best in it, point out and rectify any possible mistakes, maintain accuracy and show our excellence. Thus, producing superior quality work is easily achievable.

• Greater Output- Greater focus gives us greater output at work since we remain engrossed in our work without letting distractions come in our way. As a result, we are capable of doing our task competently and skillfully and accomplishing more work in less time.

• Feelings of Contentment- Delivering each and every task on time, maintaining excellence and getting praised for our work gives us an out of the world feeling.

• Gaining Knowledge- Focusing on a single task gives us the opportunity to solve many complexities of the task and deep understanding of the nitty gritties of the task that enhance our already existing knowledge base. This will sharpen our skills and broaden our intellectual horizons.

• Highly Innovative- The more we deal with a single task at once, the more we explore different aspects of this task, which increases our imaginative power. We no longer get inspired by others’s ideas and distracted by outside influences but rather use our brains to create innovative ideas and concepts.

CONCLUSION

Multi-tasking is not possible when we are engaged in multiple tasks that require equal high focus. Like, neither can we write an essay and solve a mathematical problem simultaneously nor switch between these two tasks alternately. But it can be done in those cases when full attention is not required, like watching television and cooking regular, plain meals or scrolling down your Facebook feed and dusting your work desk. Again, there are certain tasks where minimum attention is needed, like taking an evening walk and listening to music or driving to your office while listening to radio. Finally, you have to understand what kind of task you are performing. Are you going for a task that requires your full focus or tasks that need minimum focus? Then apply your common sense and act accordingly.