3 Ways to Avoid the Myth Called Multi-Tasking

Dec 29, 20231 min read
Time Tactics
By DeepFabric Editorial Team

I was an "amazing multi-tasker". Thankfully, I'm working on not being one! For starters, multi-taking is the wrong word. Its actually rapidly switching between tasks and likely not doing great at any. The right phrase is Context switching. 3 particular aspects of context switching that impacted me:

  1. Even relatively simple things take longer as regaining focus is much slower than losing it
  2. I overlook details (e.g., numbers on a deck)
  3. My priorities get mixed up as I juggle things (e.g., a priority #10 task encroaches into priority #1) But sometimes, context switching is unavoidable and I'll admit, I sometimes find it fun to switch tasks, and reduce the monotony. But I try to largely avoid it. Here are 3 things I do as I get away from context switching:
  4. Batch similar tasks as much as I can (e.g., checking emails, preparing for multiple meetings)
  5. Block out long “focus time” sessions on calendar. If I have a model that I need to work on, I try to just do it in one sitting with a couple of mental breaks.
  6. Eliminate deep switching i.e. if I end up switching to another task in the middle of deep work, I try not to get deep into another complex task. Downloadable Summary ?
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