Multitasking sounds like a productivity superpower. You’re answering emails while on a call, cooking dinner while watching a tutorial, switching between tabs like a pro… right?
Wrong.
The truth? Multitasking is a myth. And it might be the number one thing killing your focus, draining your energy, and lowering the quality of your work.
Let’s explore why multitasking doesn’t work—and what to do instead for real productivity.
The Myth of Multitasking
Technically, your brain can’t do two high-focus tasks at once. What it does is task switch—rapidly jumping from one thing to another.
What Happens When You Multitask:
- Your attention splits
- Your brain has to “reload” every time you switch
- Mistakes increase
- Tasks take longer
- You feel more mentally drained
Multitasking creates the illusion of productivity while actually slowing you down.
Science Says: Multitasking Hurts Performance
Multiple studies show that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%. It also affects memory, increases errors, and elevates stress.
The Hidden Costs:
- You forget important details
- You make more careless mistakes
- Your creativity drops
- You finish tasks feeling scattered instead of accomplished
The more you multitask, the more you train your brain not to focus.
Common Multitasking Traps
Even if you think you’re not multitasking, it can sneak in.
Watch out for:
- Working with 10 browser tabs open
- Constantly checking your phone during tasks
- Writing while listening to a podcast
- Jumping between email and deep work
- Answering messages while on Zoom calls
Awareness is the first step to breaking the pattern.
What to Do Instead: Monotasking
Monotasking means focusing on one thing at a time—with your full attention. It’s not only more productive, it’s more peaceful.
Benefits:
- Higher quality work
- Faster task completion
- Lower stress
- More mental clarity
- A stronger ability to focus over time
One task. One block of time. Full presence.
How to Train Yourself to Monotask
1. Time Block Your Tasks
Give each important task its own time on your calendar. During that time, only do that one thing.
Example:
- 9:00–10:00 AM → Write report
- 10:00–10:15 AM → Break
- 10:15–11:00 AM → Respond to emails
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat. It helps maintain focus without burnout.
3. Close Tabs, Apps, and Notifications
Clear your digital space. Only keep what’s necessary for the task at hand.
4. Set a Clear Intention
Before starting, say out loud:
“For the next 25 minutes, I will only do [this task].”
It trains your brain to lock in.
5. Batch Similar Tasks
Group tasks by type so your brain doesn’t need to switch contexts constantly.
Example:
- Batch all email replies at once
- Do all creative work in one session
- Save admin tasks for a separate block
What If You Get Distracted?
Distractions will happen. The key is how you respond.
Try This:
- Keep a notebook nearby. When something pops into your head, jot it down to handle later.
- Use tools like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distractions
- Take real breaks to recharge, not just scroll breaks
Every time you return to your task, you’re strengthening your focus muscle.
Focus Is Your Superpower
In a world full of distractions, the ability to focus is rare—and powerful. Multitasking is noise. Monotasking is mastery.
Choose presence over pressure. Choose deep work over shallow switching.
And watch your productivity rise—one focused task at a time.