If you’ve ever said, “I’m good at multitasking,” stop it now. You’re fibbing. Your brain can’t do it! 

A brain wave is the back-and-forth movement or oscillation of millions of neurons. These brain waves keep thoughts from interfering with each other by oscillating the thoughts out of phase with each other; this activity results in each brain wave having a limited capacity for thought. Studies have shown that human performance decreases with load which means that the more attention given to one thing decreases the perception of others. 

Executive brain control is associated with activity in the prefrontal cortex. When focusing on one task, both areas of the prefrontal cortex are working together. However, when focusing on multiple tasks, these areas function independently to coordinate messages to different brain systems.  

Multitasking involves shifting (switching focus) and activation (changing the rules of the old to the new task). The executive function prioritizes tasks second to second. This is what you are doing instead of performing two tasks at once. You’re really task switching, which negatively affects productivity and even your mental health. 

The adult brain can only see and process 3-4 things at once. Splitting attention between tasks that require thinking and concentration means those tasks will suffer. Your brain will slow, and mistakes will be made as these tasks are reconfigured. 

People claiming to be “multitaskers” may be more unintentionally prone to distractions. They think they’re multitasking because of this trait, and they simply can’t help it.  

According to Harvard psychologists, Killingsworth and Gilbert, people spend 47% of their time thinking about something different than what they’re doing. This is multitasking at its worst. 

Trying to multitask has several negative impacts. It lessens your ability to manage and focus on important information; your short-term memory. You lose concentration and become more anxious. Having a “crowded” brain inhibits creativity and prevents sustained effort. And it’s tiring. You may take longer to do a simple task and feel like you’ve lost a night’s sleep once you’re done. 

Media multitasking is either using multiple media at once or using media while engaged in a non-media activity. Have you ever checked messages or texts while sitting in a meeting? That’s media multitasking and it has been associated with depressive symptoms, social anxiety and negatively affects both long-term and working memory. 

In contrast to multitasking, single tasking can reduce stress and help you regain focus by prioritizing in order of importance. This means saying no to other tasks and concentrating on a single task for a certain period of time. 

Becoming a single tasker and rebuilding focus isn’t impossible if you use certain techniques to reduce distractions.  

Schedule a non-negotiable time for the most important task. If the pressure of completing this task is taken away, you won’t be as tempted to multitask. 

Communications and/or emails are time eating monsters. Set a time goal for responding to emails and messages, then focus on responding in short bursts of time.  

De-clutter your work environment. Put away anything physical or digital that can divert your attention. 

Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? It was developed in the late 1980’s by college student Francesco Cirillo to organize his study schedule. Pomodoro is an Italian word for tomato, but the shape of the timer he used when developing this technique (you guessed it) was tomato-like. 

 This is a time management method of doing work and taking breaks. Work intervals are called pomodoros. It can help with focus, time awareness and prevent mental fatigue. To use it, determine the task on which you want to focus. Set a timer for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, set your timer for a five-minute break. After four pomodoros, it’s recommended to lengthen the break time to 15-30 minutes. 

Need more help? There are also time tracking apps, such as RescueTime, (https://www.rescuetime.com/). RescueTime automatically tracks time spent on certain websites, apps and/or specific documents without timers or manual entries. Detailed reports on where your time is going are provided to raise awareness of work habits that may need changing. RescueTime also has a website blocker to help you avoid temptation to “just check in for a sec”, when you’re bored, or your energy is low. 

Only 2.5% of the entire population are “supertaskers”, people who can multitask with no performance decline. Chances are, you’re not in the 2.5%. Have you ever misplaced your car keys while on the phone? You’re not a supertasker. 

So, if you’re ever again asked if you’re a multitasker, tell the truth. Say no and be proud of it. 

Business owners are highly susceptible to task switching and incurring related costly mistakes as they juggle accounting, eCommerce, and financial data. End the delusion of multitasking and give yourself time to focus. Certum Solutions can help by providing platform-independent services in accounting, bookkeeping and business software solutions.  Our services also include preparing financial reports, setting up QuickBooks Online or providing business specific advisory services to increase efficiency, boost productivity and reduce mistakes. Reach out to Certum Solutions today!