Like defiant children, we fool ourselves into thinking that we can get more done by multitasking, and so off we go to tasking — eager to get things done, and eager once again, to make our lists.
Those infamous lists. Those never-ending lists.
Those never-get-done lists.
Have any lists cluttering up your physical and/or digital space?
I have made so many lists over the years, and typed, and printed them out. Others were written and immediately forgotten about in old and even dusty composition tablets. They’re also taking up space.
Many of my lists remained unchecked — mostly undone — and only served as a painful reminder of what I did not achieve rather than what I did achieve. Oh, there have been lists that I have been proud of because of the many little checks I put on them, noting that I had accomplished the respective tasks. But — it is fleeting pride because at the end of the day, and thereafter, I realized — or rather, accepted the obvious — these were mostly menial tasks. The frog(s) is still waiting — still waiting — to be eaten. And I, subconsciously, and even consciously, have been ignoring it.
Didn’t I want to tackle the big ticket items? Especially those monthly goal lists? No, they scared me. Overwhelmed me too.
I ran. I hid. From them.
But they remained there. Visible. And still as foreboding as before.
I have since graduated to making my lists only in WordPerfect (yes, I am still using WordPerfect, and have to convert my documents to Word or PDF whenever I send assignments to my newspaper and book editors.) Once my tasks are completed, I highlight them in yellow, my favorite color.
But — why, oh why, do we fool ourselves into thinking that multitasking is the greatest discovery in this fast-paced technology world? It is not.
Why, oh why, do we put so many items on our lists that are impossible to do if we are adhering to the laws of physics? Not sure. But suspect we have good intentions.
Why, oh why, do we try to do so many things simultaneously, and end up accomplishing nothing at the end of the day? You tell me. I have given up trying to figure it out.
Well, let me take that back. On certain levels, multitasking actually can be advantageous in our business, career and personal life. I share how by providing the pros and cons of multitasking. But I am not sure which one came first? Did our pros and/or our cons seduce us into believing that multitasking is a good thing, and that one another can coexist? I doubt it.
Like children, we do not always learn our lesson the first time around. Therefore, we keep repeating it. That is the conundrum of life: We repeat until we learn. But even then, some are not even cognizant of this fact.
Mentors warn us about multitasking when starting our business: Do NOT focus on the small things. And nor should we allow perfection to get in the way. Instead we must focus on what will get us closer to our goals. Yet once again, we must ask if multitasking is a siren, beckoning us, luring us?
But — who says it is wrong to feel good about accomplishing something at the end of the day if we make our lists, if we multitask?
After all, who says you cannot walk and chew gum at the same time?
But what if we are not going anywhere? Just endless walking. Now do you see the problem? And what is at stake when it comes to multitasking? Do you see the light now?
Nonetheless, let me first present 15 disadvantages, the cons of multitasking, courtesy of ChatGPT:
CONS: DISADVANTAGES OF MULTITASKING
1. Reduces Overall Efficiency – The brain takes time to switch focus, which leads to “task-switching costs.”
2. Increases Errors – More likely to make mistakes when attention is divided.
3. Reduces Quality of Work – Focused attention tends to produce higher-quality results than scattered attention.
4. Increases Stress Levels – Juggling too many tasks can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
5. Impairs Memory – Can harm short-term memory and retention due to fragmented focus.
6. Lowers IQ Temporarily – Studies show multitasking can reduce cognitive performance temporarily.
7. Impacts Deep Work – Prevents engagement in flow states and focused, meaningful work.
8. Can Lead to Burnout – Constant task-switching and mental juggling drain energy over time.
9. Decreases Listening Skills – Leads to missed details in conversations or meetings.
10. Reduces Creativity – Creativity often requires mental space and uninterrupted thought.
11. Damages Relationships – Divided attention in personal interactions can lead to misunderstandings or lack of presence.
12. Dangerous in Certain Contexts – Multitasking while driving or handling machinery can be life-threatening.
13. Fosters a Culture of Busyness – May give the illusion of productivity without real output.
14. Can Become Habitual – May lead people to multitask even when it's not effective or necessary.
15. Hinders Emotional Intelligence – Lack of mindfulness and presence can weaken empathy and self-awareness.
And now for 15 advantages of multitasking — the pros. It is obvious from all the endless lists we create that we think there are some out there, somewhere, even if they are hidden or unknown. Well, there are, but thread lightly:
PROS: ADVANTAGES OF MULTITASKING
1. Time Efficiency – Can help complete multiple tasks within a limited time frame.
2. Boosts Productivity (Short-Term) – Appears to get more done in less time, especially with simple tasks.
3. Adaptability – Develops flexibility in switching between various types of tasks or roles.
4. Reduces Downtime – Fills waiting periods or gaps by performing other activities (e.g., answering emails while files upload).
5. Skill Diversification – Encourages the development of different skills by juggling diverse tasks.
6. Enhanced Work Performance in Repetitive Tasks – Works well when tasks are low-stakes and routine.
7. Mental Stimulation – Keeps the brain engaged by preventing boredom from single-task monotony.
8. Quick Response Rate – Encourages responsiveness, especially in customer service or fast-paced environments.
9. Improves Delegation Awareness – Helps identify which tasks can or should be automated or delegated.
10. Encourages Prioritization – Teaches how to sort tasks based on urgency and importance.
11. Suits Certain Learning Styles – Some people thrive in dynamic, multi-layered work environments.
12. Can Maximize Use of Technology – Effective multitasking with apps and systems can streamline processes.
13. Prepares for Crisis Management – Trains the brain for multitiered responses in high-pressure situations.
14. May Reduce Procrastination – Switching between tasks can sometimes reduce the dread of focusing on one.
15. Can Simulate Real-Life Scenarios – Life often requires managing multiple responsibilities at once (e.g., parenting and working).
You decide which of which, or both? First, select and assess the cons that have been disadvantageous in your life, and have been hindering your growth, your success. It is time to part ways with them. At the same time, notice which pros have been advantageous, or will be advantageous in the weeks and months ahead. Keep them.
Mentors also encourage us to write down our tasks the night before of what we want to accomplish the next day. But they mean only a handful like three or four.
And most personal development leaders encourage you to write down your goals in life, and read and repeat them aloud every day. Visualize and internalize them, and in turn, you will encourage your mind to develop the strategy to get you there.
For now, decide on the pros and cons presented. It is a decision that you need to make, and the sooner the better!
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I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur — passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee
