Many of us have been told multitasking is the key to getting more done in less time. We often assume if we can juggle several tasks simultaneously, we can achieve maximum productivity. However, research has consistently shown multitasking is not an effective way to work. One study found that just 2.5% of people can multitask effectively. For the rest of us, our attempts to do multiple activities at once isn’t that, and constantly switching between tasks can be detrimental to our productivity.

The myth of multitasking has been debunked and the truth is that focusing on one task at a time is the best way to be the most productive. By honing in on one task and avoiding the temptation to multitask, we can increase efficiency and get more done in less time.

Why Multitasking Is Not Effective

The concept of multitasking dates back to the 1950s with the belief that people could successfully do two or more tasks simultaneously. However, recent research has shown this is not possible. Instead, when we try to multitask, our brains have to switch between tasks which results in lower productivity. In fact, people who multitask have slower reaction times and make more mistakes than those who focus on one task at a time. Studies have also shown that people who are constantly switching between tasks don’t experience flow and lose focus when they hop from one task to another. This results in lower-quality work and frequent errors. Here are a few negative effects multitasking has been shown to have:

Diminished quality of work. When we multitask, we often make more mistakes switching between tasks. When we are focused on one task, we can carefully monitor our work and identify errors as they occur. When we’re constantly switching between tasks, we are less likely to notice mistakes.
Decreased productivity. Many people believe if they can switch between tasks quickly they can increase their productivity. However, the opposite is true. Constantly switching between tasks decreases productivity because it takes longer to complete each task.
Missing out on flow. Multitasking can also cause us to lose focus and miss out on flow. Flow is when we become so immersed in a task that we lose track of time because the activity becomes enjoyable. It happens when we challenge ourselves and feel like we have the right skills and tools to complete the task. But when we’re constantly switching between tasks, we don’t spend enough time on each one to enter a flow state.

How to Focus on One Task at a Time

Now let’s turn this into a positive. There is hope for the multitasker and it starts with focusing on one task at a time. Here is how:

Make a plan. Before you start your day or begin a task, write down your plan. This will help you identify your main focus for the day and keep you from getting distracted by other tasks. You can also use a calendar to mark down your plans for the day so you know when to focus on each task.
Start with your most important task first. Your most important task should be the first thing you work on each day because it sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you start your day with administrative tasks, you’re more likely to continue to multitask throughout the day.
Put away your distractions. If you find yourself constantly getting distracted, you should consider putting away your distractions. This will help you stay focused on one task and ignore other tasks that are competing for your attention.
Stick to your schedule. If you’re constantly switching between tasks, you might be more productive if you stick to your schedule. This might mean that you don’t finish your tasks as quickly as you would if you were multitasking.

Benefits of Focusing on One Task at a Time

If you stay focused on one task, you’re more likely to finish it before moving on to the next task. This means you can increase your productivity by completing tasks more quickly and gain the satisfaction of something crossed off your to-do list. And while that’s a great start, here are some other benefits of the one task at a time philosophy:

Increased quality of work. If you focus on one task at a time, you’re more likely to produce high-quality work because you have sufficient time to complete each task. You don’t have to rush through your work and you can take your time to do things correctly. This means that you’re less likely to make mistakes.
Higher energy levels. When you focus on one task at a time, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and experience high levels of stress. This is because you aren’t trying to do too much at once.
Less mental fatigue. When you regularly switch between tasks, you experience mental fatigue and find it more difficult to focus on tasks. However, when you focus on one task at a time, you are less likely to experience mental fatigue and feel less tired.
More free time. If you regularly multitask, you might be more likely to overbook your day and schedule too many tasks. If you focus on one task at a time, you might find that you have more free time because you aren’t scheduling too many tasks.

Strategies for Avoiding Multitasking

Ready to make the change and get started? Here are some useful tips on how to avoid the multitasking trap and get more done:

Avoid distractions. When you’re focusing on a task, it’s important to avoid distractions. This might mean that you need to close your email account, shut off your phone or put away your other obligations.
Use your energy wisely. When you need to accomplish several tasks during a day, you should use your energy wisely and prioritize your tasks. Focus on your most important task first and then move on to less important tasks.
Break down large tasks. If you have a large task that needs to be completed, break the task down into smaller tasks so you can focus on one task at a time.
Try to finish one task before starting another. If you have several tasks that need to be completed during the day try to finish one task before moving on to another. This will help you avoid multitasking and help you stay focused on each task.

Final Thoughts

The myth of multitasking has been debunked and the truth is that focusing on one task at a time is the best way to achieve maximum productivity. By honing in on one task and avoiding the temptation to multitask, we can increase our productivity and get more done in less time.