We’ve all heard the myth of multi-tasking. People sometimes brag that they get more than one thing done at once by multi-tasking. In reality this is rarely the truth. Chances are they are not actually getting anything done at all. One of the most importance features of outsourcing is that you need to get away from is multitasking. Outsourcing can actually free you up from some of those tasks that would otherwise be inclined to do at the same time. This will get you closer to your goals faster.
You can do the math. If you have three tasks and you do them in parallel how long will it take you before the first task is actually done? Alternatively, if you are multi-tasking, all of your tasks get done around the same time. If you do them one at a time, you will have an advantage. The first task will be completed well before you would if you do them in parallel.
AAABBBCCC vs ABCABCABC
if you’re trying to complete something, or more likely to make money, ideally you want to batch all of the tasks. This way you will simply finish them faster.
The myth of multi-tasking is very much a part of our everyday lives now whether we realize it or not. Even just as entertainment, we find ourselves on our smartphones, playing games, texting, browsing, even shopping online. In the workplace, multi-tasking is encouraged, complimented and even expected. On resumes and job interviews, it is often recommended that we point out any kind of ability to multi-task. As ingrained as this act is, we probably never stop to think about the problems multi-tasking can cause, including those with dangerous outcomes.
Here are some unexpected and likely unintended potential consequences from the myth of multi-tasking:
Multi-tasking harms the brain
This study from the National Institute of Health found that regular multi-taskers had reduced grey matter in their brains. It specifically impacted the part controlling motivation and emotion.
Causes distraction
Studies have shown that people who multi-task at home were more likely to be distracted and often, irritated. This can be explained because the more distracted you get, the more likely you’re able to tell what topics are important enough to break away from the task you’re engaged in.
Can cause physical injury
Multitasking can result in falling down to broken bones and even walking into traffic. These are real possibilities when we’re so immersed with our devices. It’s not just being distracted that causes falls, but for women especially, the distraction while walking actually affects their stride, potentially causing a fall. A recent compilation of data in New York City shows that 20% of teenagers struck by cars were distracted by their mobile devices.
These are just a few of the many reasons, both physical and emotional, that we should maybe think twice about the myth of multitasking.
Read more:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811916300441
https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20707868,00.html#the-multitasking-myth-2
