Friday, May 28, 2010

Multitasking -- Don't do It

Multitasking may seem like a time saver. You're thinking I can check my email at the same time that I watch television and talk on the phone.

Study after study shows that multitasking actually makes tasks take longer and they are done less efficiently. Way back in 2005 a study at the University of London showed that multitasking was the equivalent of a drop in IQ of 10 points. You may seem like you are getting more done but you're doing things less efficiently and taking longer.

*Do one thing at a time. As painful as this may seem it will actually save you time in the long run.

*Set your priorities. What task is more important and should be done first.

*Don't get distracted. As seductive as it is don't get pulled in to answering your cellphone, watching television, checking your email or whatever you should not be doing while concentrating on the task at hand. Everything will wait.

Labels: , , ,