Multitasking is a myth
Multitasking is a myth
There's a part of our culture that regards multitasking (doing multiple things at once) as proof of success, as something we should be proud of doing. It's so pervasive!
Hey everyone,
Did you know that the prefrontal cortex, while only a tiny part of the brain, is one of the brain’s most energy-hungry parts? The prefrontal cortex is essential for understanding, deciding, recalling, memorizing and inhibiting, and without it, we wouldn't be able to do much.
When you're working on a task, the information necessary for that task is loaded into the prefrontal cortex. Whenever you need to switch to a new task, new data has to be loaded. That process is extremely energy-consuming.
There's a part of our culture that regards multitasking (doing multiple things at once) as proof of success, as something we should be proud of doing. It's so pervasive that many of us start to feel like we're unsuccessful if we're not busy doing many things at once.
The worst is that it's easier than ever to multitask with social media and their constant notifications begging for our attention right at our fingertips.
The sad truth about multitasking is that it means you're doing multiple things poorly. We weren’t made to focus on numerous things at once. Whenever we switch our focus, we’re wasting precious energy that could serve better things, such as giving our undivided attention to our children or being creative on a project.
For example, when you're having a conversation with a group of friends and getting constant notifications, you're pulled to pay attention to them. Each time you sway between the notifications on your phone and the discussion, both these contexts suffer, and so does your mental energy. You’re not gaining the benefits from what you're reading, and subsequently, your friends experience your lack of focus with them. Who likes to have a conversation with someone who can't be present with them?
It isn't to say we should never multitask; in fact, I don't believe that is possible. The point is that we need to regain control over our focus and work smarter. With more and more distractions around us all the time, it will only get harder to get quality focus if we do nothing.
Have a focused week,
Miguel
A few favourites this week
1 - the social dilemma: Talking about distraction. If you haven't seen the social dilemma, it's a fascinating documentary on Netflix that discusses the impact social media has had on our world today.
2 - Your Brain at Work - If you're looking for a book to help you with strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus and working smarter, Your Brain at Work by David Rock is a great book.
Quote of the week
You can't be curious and angry at the same time
From Catherine Hoke, I heard about her from Seth Godin.
If you've enjoyed reading these as much as I've enjoyed writing them, consider sharing it with your friends and family. I would greatly appreciate it
Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week.
Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.