Glad to hear it: no such thing as multitasking
July 25, 2015
As a lawyer I have to concentrate for long periods of time on a specific task such as drafting a long and complex agreement. I enjoy drafting. I like “getting into the zone” and focussing my mind in an almost meditative way on producing the draft, ensuring it works legally, checking I’ve converted my clients issues into solid, tight clauses, and eliminating errors. I don’t like being interrupted and having to try to multitask. In fact I’ve always said I don’t conform to the female stereotype of an excellent multitasker. Even in my out of work like I like to complete one thing before starting another. So I was delighted to read that multitasking is a myth and even harmful to us!
Experts agree, there’s really no such thing as multitasking. What we have come to term multitasking is actually called task shifting, and it’s extremely harmful to our brains. “Your brain was designed for thinking and reasoning, not for managing all of your to-do lists,” says Medlock. Staying on task may mean setting a timer and focusing on that one task for a specific amount of time. Repeating the mantra, “right now I’m (preparing this presentation)”, can also help you to stay focused and avoid shifting from one task to another.
http://m.fastcompany.com/3048828/hit-the-ground-running/the-top-5-ti..
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