Multi-tasking Doesn't Work

We live in a society where it's a badge of honor to say that you can do 3 things at once.  We put "Ability to multi-task" on our resumes. It sounds good - it must mean that you are super productive and efficient right? Ever done any of these: typing an email or IM while on the phone, having ten different browser windows open and bouncing between them, checking emails while posting on Facebook and checking your bank balance. How about checking your phone or surfing the internet while watching a TV show, only to realize halfway into the show, you had no idea what was going on? Ever check your phone or email during a meal with your family - there's no direct affect on productivity but it certainly isn't strengthening your relationships or making your family feel like a priority. Anything you can relate to? 

What I've learned is that all of this is actually making everything you do suffer - in quality, in the amount of time it takes, and it actually makes you feel more frantic. Do a gut check - it's true right? Do you feel like you get so much done because you multi-task? Your To Do List is totally crossed off every day? I'm guessing no.

I was at a seminar recently where the guest said that every time you get interrupted during something, it takes you 16 minutes to get back to the level of focus you had before the interruption.  Multi-tasking is YOU creating your own interruptions! Why would you want to do that?

If you take the time to focus on one thing at a time, you will not only doing a better job at it, you will get it done faster and your mind can mentally close the door on that task.

Tips:

• Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. If you can shut or lock the door, do.
• Turn off your phone or leave it in the other room.
• Keep only the window open that you are working on, on your computer.
• Focus on one screen at a time. (I believe in limiting it to things that really serve a purpose but that's a whole other blog post!)
• Leave your phone at home or in the car when having a meal with friends or family.