The Cost of Multitasking: How Modern Expectations Divide Our Attention

In our fast-paced modern world, the ability to multitask is often celebrated and even demanded. Employers value workers who claim they can juggle several responsibilities simultaneously, and our culture seems to admire those who appear to do the same. But is multitasking truly a sign of productivity, or is it a fallacy that actually leads us off course?

Centuries ago, the ancient Latin writer Publilius Syrus remarked, “To do two things at once is to do neither.” Even though Syrus lived in an era much calmer than ours, he seems to have grasped a timeless truth: our attention is limited. Whenever we try to split it, the quality of both tasks declines.

The Fallacy of Multitasking

Multitasking is, at its core, a fallacy. Don't care to take my word for it? Neuroscience has shown that our brains are not wired to focus on multiple complex tasks at the same time. What we often call multitasking is actually “task-switching”—rapidly shifting our attention from one thing to another. Each switch comes with a cognitive cost. Research from Stanford University and other institutions has demonstrated that heavy 'multitaskers' are actually less effective at filtering information, organizing thoughts, and switching tasks efficiently (Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009).

Rather than making us more productive, multitasking often leaves us feeling scattered, overwhelmed, and less able to do our best work. It is not possible to give two things your undivided attention simultaneously. Attempting to do so means neither task receives the focus—and therefore the quality—it deserves.

Multitasking and Modern Stress

This brings us to another crucial point: could the relentless demand to multitask be contributing to the rise in adult-onset attention difficulties? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that constant task-switching can negatively affect concentration, memory, and even emotional well-being. The rise in workplace stress, burnout, and attention-related complaints may be, in part, a result of unrealistic expectations placed on workers to perform multiple demanding tasks at once. (Just a thought)

In a culture obsessed with productivity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that doing more equals achieving more. But the reality is that spreading our attention too thin makes it difficult to excel at anything. Instead of multitasking, we end up multi-failing.

Practical Tips for Single-Tasking

If you are ready to break free from the myth of multitasking, here are some practical strategies to help you focus and thrive:

1. Prioritize Your Tasks: Start each day by identifying your top priorities. Focus on completing one important task at a time before moving on to the next. This takes practice but it is achievable. (I know because I take my own advice)

2. Set Clear Boundaries: When working on a task, minimize distractions. Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs, and let others know when you need uninterrupted time. (This is so freeing! Try it! I'm convinced you will agree)

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute intervals. During this time of focus, try not to check your phone, email or entertain any other distraction. Until you become used to the idea, it may be a good idea to use a timer. Follow the 25 minutes of focused time by short, 5-minute breaks. During your break, make sure to stand up and stretch or do something that takes you away from the task at hand for the entire break. This technique helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

4. Practice Mindful Transitions: When you do need to switch tasks, take a moment to pause, breathe, and consciously let go of the previous task before fully engaging with the next.

5. Reflect on Your Productivity: At the end of the day, review what you accomplished. Notice how focusing on one task at a time affected your stress level and the quality of your work.

   
   

A Challenge for Reflection

Let’s revisit Publilius Syrus’s wisdom: “To do two things at once is to do neither.” Rather than striving to be everywhere and do everything, let’s strive to be present, engaged, and excellent in each moment.

This week, I challenge you to pick one task and give it your full attention. Notice how it feels to complete it without dividing your focus. How does your stress level change? How does the quality of your work improve? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Coach

Kathryn

References:

• Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive Control in Media Multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583–15587.

• Stanford Study: Media Multitaskers Pay Mental Price