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Multitasking Is Killing Productivity

We are in front of the biggest productivity scam in history

By Mindsmatter.Published 3 years ago 3 min read
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Multitasking Is Killing Productivity
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Sometimes talking about productivity feels like talking about pyramid schemes. There are just too many scams and hoaxes around it.

I think I can do a series on myths and misconceptions about productivity culture.

That would be a very productive thing for me.

I often see people adopting new habits that they believe will make them work harder and better. Sadly, many times those "habits" just ruin your ability to be efficient.

I already talked about people who give up rest, who think they have to work twice as many hours every time. Also about how the culture of productivity has become the idea that you must burn out to be productive.

You don't have to sacrifice your sanity to do anything.

Right now I want to talk about the infamous multitasking. That ability that many believe they have since they can focus on different tasks at the same time.

Anyone who understands enough about mental and mental health knows that this is not only a myth, it's harmful.

In short: no, your brain is biologically incapable of concentrating on different things. When you think you're multitasking, you're just sucking at more than one thing at a time.

1. Multitasking is a myth

As I mentioned just a moment ago, multitasking is like eating an extra extra large pizza on your own. You BELIEVE you can do it, but you can't. Plus, you hurt yourself trying.

When you think you are multitasking, you're only dividing your attention span into multiple targets. Sacrificing your ability to focus.

As a result, you are only giving your 3% to each thing. Jumping from one task to another doesn't allow you to do it in the best way.

2. You cannot be effective

If you think you can cook lunch while going through financial reports and ironing your pants, you'll only end up with a bland meal, some miscalculations, and burnt pants.

When you designate your mind to focus on different things, you cannot be effective at each one.

It's like thinking that by filling your car with more weight, it will go faster.

I'm full of clever analogies. I know.

By believing that you are earning extra productivity points from multitasking you're only being mediocre. You can't give your 100% to every assignment and at the end of the day, you have a ton of half-done assignments.

3. It affects your mental health

Multitasking is not just a lie, but it also puts your mental health at risk.

In this house, multitasking is not welcome.

This has been proven to be a way to overload your brain. This causes much faster and greater exhaustion than spending several sleepless nights.

People who claim to be a multitasker just end up with higher levels of stress and lower levels of productivity. In fact, they become clumsier at their tasks and have a hard time concentrating.

Ironic.

So what should you do?

If you really want to see those productivity numbers skyrocket, the solution is not complicated.

To fulfill your tasks effectively, maintain stable mental health, and achieve goals, you do this:

Focus on one thing at a time. The best thing is to give your 100% on one task at a time. Make sure you get enough rest.

Be organized. Plan everything you need to do per day, per week, and per month. Allow enough time for each job.

Avoid distractions and stress. If a task is causing you a lot of anxiety, you are doing it wrong, or the environment is not the be

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About the Creator

Mindsmatter.

Mindsmatter is written by Bola Kwame, Jack Graves and Emma Buryd.

De-stigmatizing mental illness one day at a time.

Our socials: https://linktr.ee/Mindsmatter

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