The Multitasking Illusion

We think we're getting a lot of things done when we're multitasking, but this is an illusion. Like many of you, I like to multitask because I think it's efficient. However, when I learned to focus on the task at hand, I realized that I finished tasks faster. The research shows this to be correct also.

When we multitask, we're not in the present moment. Being present isn't only about enjoying moments in life; it's also about being present in your daily work and chores. By not being present we miss things, and we make mistakes. Plus when our mind is scattered, it's hard to focus and the time it takes to complete one task takes longer because we are thinking about other things. I used to multitask during conference calls, and I missed valuable information. I would need to go back and ask people about details that we talked about and that costs time. In the end, I didn't save time by answering emails while on a call.

Every day I work to be present within a task, and sometimes I revert to multitasking. However, when I do stop to focus not only is my work better, but I feel better about the task I completed. Start small, focus on one task, see how you feel and how long it takes you to complete one task at a time. Your mind will feel less stress, you'll be more productive, and your work will be better. Be present; your work depends on it!