Tim Hartford has written in the 3 September 2015 edition of FT magazine on the issue of multitasking (Read it here) with some very interesting results. Referencing current studies on the topic throughout, Hartford looks at the history and modern phenomena we know as multitasking. Are we destined to multitasking as a by-product of our modern era? It is fuelled with technology that allows us to text, talk, email and watch through the same device almost simultaneously. Some have argued that this is not really multitasking, but actually an addiction to the internet.
One of the studies cited notes that multitaksers tend to overrate their ability to multitask, and are in fact quite bad at it. The same study also notes that multitasking typically makes us more forgetful, and unable to apply information in different contexts.
Multitasking has also seen the rise of the Zergarnik Effect, which is when we leave things unfinished and then find ourselves unable to let go of them mentally. Our subconscious keeps reminding us that these things need attention. Doing a bit of this and a bit of that feeds this effect and keeps our brains from resting. The good news is that we do not actually need to complete these tasks, just to develop a plan of how and when and then write it down.
Interestingly people who are very good at multitasking can often also be the people who provide creative solutions to issues – it stimulates thinking creatively.
It is a very challenging article that ends with six ways to multitask with some success:
- Be mindful
- Write it down
- Tame your smartphone
- Focus in short sprints
- Procrastinate to win
- Cross-fertilize.
The Avondale Business School can help you ensure your time is highly productive – find out how by contacting Warrick Long at the Avondale Business School.
P: 02 4980 2168