10 Reasons Multi-tasking Does Not Bring Success

by Barbara Latta

Multi-tasking has become the buzz word for success.  

The more we try to do, the better we think we will appear to an employer, teacher or co-worker. 

The thought that multi-tasking means a person is more successful, intelligent or organized is a myth. 

Here are 10 reasons why multi-tasking does not bring success:

1. It causes lack of focus. The idea is that we accomplish more in less time,  but the truth is multi-tasking creates distraction. Many resume´ creators think they are impressing potential employers when they list multi-tasking as an asset, but they are really indicating the lack of ability to focus.  
2. Productivity is lost.  A human’s brain is wired to focus on one thing at a time. Trying to switch gears from one act to another can sabotage the goal of finishing what we started because attention is divided, and the brain must stop and start thinking again about what needs to be done. 
3. Another flaw to trying to do too many things at once is that memory can be damaged. A study
   
   conducted by the University of California San Francisco used a visual experiment by flashing images to a group of participants and then quickly changing the pictures. Another group viewed images that were not changed. The group viewing the flashing images had a difficult time switching back to the first picture or remembering details about it. Short term memory was affected. 
4. It is dangerous. Having too many things started simultaneously not only ruins projects, it can be dangerous. In the kitchen it can cause burns, cuts or ruined food. In an office, files and documents can be mislaid by trying to produce too much at one time. Accidents can happen in any situation where a person is not paying attention. A driver on a cell phone cannot give 100% of their attention to the road. Cell phone usage while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Walking while using a cell phone is equally hazardous. People have bumped into walls, stepped into traffic, fallen into mall fountains and hit other people while using a phone and walking at
   
   the same time.
5. It causes more stress. When we make mistakes because we were not focused, we become frustrated, worried and stressed. 
6. We aren’t as good at it as we think. Students who study while watching TV, talking on their cell phone or playing video games make lower grades than those who study without distraction. 
7. Creativity is stifled. Switching tasks requires temporary brain storage. Continuing to flit from project to project causes the storage capacity to be used up and creativity is stifled.  
8. Multi-tasking can make you overeat. When eating while on the computer, doing paperwork or even watching TV, the brain isn’t focusing on the food and the eating process gets interrupted. This can prevent feeling full right away and we continue to eat more. 
9. It can hurt relationships.  Have you ever been talking to someone who seems to be distracted, or they stop to answer their phone or send a text message instead of listening to you? If a person does this habitually, it can cause strained relationships and arguments because the person on the other end doesn’t feel valued enough to be focused on. 
10. It drains energy. When a person is trying to complete more than one thing at once, they are putting the brain in switch mode. The more the thinking process switches from one thing to another the more the brains uses up oxygenated glucose which is the same energy reserve used to focus. 

Taking 10-15 minute breaks between projects allows the mind to rest and become more

productive. Staring out the window, listening to music, reading or going for a walk are ways to relax the brain and recharge thought energy.

Checking social media does not count as a break because that stimulates the brain to continue to jump from one thing to another. After the short rest period return to the same job that was started before the break and continue it until it is finished.

Our real asset is the ability to focus and complete a job before beginning another one. When we throw the multi-tasking myth out the window, we can be assured activities will be completed faster and more efficiently when we concentrate on one thing at a time. 

What are some other reasons you can find the dispel the multi-tasking myth? 

10 reasons multi-tasking does not bring success (click to tweet)