Ten to fifteen years ago, multi-tasking was a part of many conversations on how to be more productive.
Making calls while driving.
Answering emails while in a meeting.
Dealing with text messages while working on a presentation.
Watching TV while playing with your children.
The list could go on and on.
More recently, the tide shifted and research was indicating that multi-tasking doesn’t work.
The alternative is to single task and focus on one thing at a time. The theory behind this approach is that you won’t lose time while switching your mind back and forth between tasks. Single tasking saves energy in the brain, keeps focus, and many believe will make you more productive.
My Story – A Blend of Both Approaches
As cell phones came into my life when my children were young, I dove headfirst into multi-tasking as a strategy for “getting it all done”.
Taking work calls while driving to daycare and sometimes continuing while making dinner. Finding myself on my laptop during meetings looking at email. Responding to messages while working on an analysis or presentation. Pulling out my laptop in the evening while watching TV.
I found MANY ways to multi-task.
As research started to emerge about the benefits of single tasking, I started to experiment and consider if this might make me feel less frazzled. Over the years, I have realized that for many activities, the single task method is the way to go.
Presentations and analysis flow much better when you are focused. You pay attention in meetings and conversations if you aren’t trying to do something else…..which is the actual point of getting together!
There is one area where I still multi-task: listening to podcasts while walking. I realize that I’m either focused on the words in my ears or the nature around me, but this works for me and makes me happy.
Your Turn
Do you multi-task or single task?
Does single tasking work better for you?
Are there areas of your life where you multi-task and see benefits?