The Multitasking Myth: Why Focusing on One Task at a Time is More Productive

A reality kicked in for me today: we are so close to the end of the year, and that means holiday festivities will be just around the corner. But with that in mind, I realized that my book repertoire has been increased not only physically but also on my Audible and Kindle accounts. I've been trying to devour as many books as possible, but with that has come the realization that some of them have been left unfinished, with a bookmark in the middle, and I've forgotten what the real message of each was. I've been multitasking with my reading, and as a result, the enjoyment and knowledge haven't been as productive as when I used to read and finish each book.  

On my busy days, multitasking has felt like a badge of honor. But as I reflect on my reading habits and the sad state my books are in now, I can tell that multitasking is not the productivity booster I've been led to believe. In fact, it's more likely to leave us frazzled, inefficient, and with a pile of half-finished tasks, or, as is my case, half-finished books. This approach has sabotaged my productivity, and it is easy enough to say with books, but it has made me realize how much productive and calmer I was when single-tasking was my main style.  

The Science of Multitasking

Research shows that the human brain isn't built for multitasking, at least not for tasks requiring focus. When you try to do two things at once, your brain rapidly switches between them rather than performing them simultaneously. This "task-switching" comes at a cost that reduces efficiency, increases errors, and raises our stress levels. Because every switch takes time —even if it's just milliseconds to reply to a text —over the course of a day, this adds up to significant productivity loss. Multitasking divides your attention, making it easier to miss details or miss deadlines. Not to mention overdrive: your brain lives on constant switching, leaving you mentally exhausted and more prone to burnout or adopting bad habits.  

Why Single-Tasking Wins

Focusing on one task at a time—known as single-tasking—allows you to channel your energy and attention fully. When you give a task your undivided attention, the outcome is often more thorough and accurate. Concentrating on a single task significantly reduces your cognitive load, leading to less stress and better decision-making. Completing one task before moving to another eliminates the inefficiency of task switching, but the reason it wins for me most is the rewarding effect of crossing a task off your list, rather than postponing it to another day and leaving multiple projects half-done.  

Tips to Break the Multitasking Habit

If multitasking has become your default mode like me, transitioning to single-tasking might feel challenging at first. Here are some strategies that I have started implementing to help me break the multitasking habit for good.  

1. Start each day by identifying your top priorities. I focus on completing the most important task first.

2. Use technology to your advantage by silencing notifications, closing unnecessary tabs, and letting others know when uninterrupted focus is needed.

3. Allocate specific time and day slots for each task. For example, dedicate 20 minutes to reading, 30 minutes to emails, and an hour to a project.

4. Stay present in the moment and fully engage with the task at hand. By creating your own challenges, you can make them more doable. For example, when you start working out, you can start with walking 5 minutes daily and increment it by 5 minutes each week. The challenge to beat

   your previous time will help you improve your focus over time.

5. Schedule short breaks to hydrate; they will be the perfect excuse to recharge your brain and maintain productivity.

Real-Life Approved Benefits of Single-Tasking

Adopting a single-tasking mindset can transform both your work and personal life. It can help you complete your workday with a sense of accomplishment rather than overwhelm. When you are in a calm state, you can be fully present and enjoy deeper conversations or readings.

Not trying to do everything at once has helped me reduce my stress levels and feel more at peace in my space. My advice for you is that the next time you're tempted to multitask, remember that productivity isn't about doing more things; it's about doing the right things well. Embrace single-tasking and watch your efficiency, quality of work, and peace of mind soar as you finish each task, project, or book one by one.