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Im a full-time freelancer, which means I spend my days writing articles from my house.
Asiya Hotaman/Getty Images
Id lose my flow and itd take me a few minutes to get back in it.
Heres why multitasking wont actually help you get ahead.
First, what even is multitasking?
Its not like doing two things at once is always a recipe for disaster.
But when one of your tasks requires you to think?
Thats where so-called multitasking can go south (fast).
Take the case above of emailing during a Zoom call.
In this sense, multitasking really means switching your attention between things, Dr. Mark says.
Heres why multitasking doesnt workand can actually work against you.
People make more mistakes when they make a run at do multiple things at once.
(Making a mental note to force my doctor to 100% focus on me during appointments).
It also takes way longer to finish a task when you have multiple things on your plate.
That time accumulates and can really slow down your productivity, Dr. Wagner says.
Oh yeah…. (This is the whiplash Ive been complaining about for years!)
They found that their stress levels plummetedand they were able to focus on their work for way longer.
(What are we doing, people!?)
No offense to our friends over at Salesforce, but this is why Dr. Mark hates Slack.
I find it to be a really big distractor, she says.
How to give up multitaskingand start monotasking.
Her answer: Because we have the capability to access information and people quickly.
Theres always something you’re able to be doingthatsenticingso you have a go at do it all.
But…you cant.
Or when you oughta text your partner your ETA while finishing up some slides on your train ride home.
But whenever it’s possible for you to avoid multitasking?
Youd probably perform a lot better and get more done, Dr. Wagner says.
And before you dive into your next to-do?
But its totally possible to change the behavior.
or Do I really need to look at my email?
Can I grab their order right after their table is ready?
You may realize that you actually can be present for the task at hand.
You might not master it overnight, but with time, perseverance, and practice, youll get there.
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