Single-Tasking is the new Multi-tasking!!!
Even though we know that multi-tasking isn’t good; it isn’t productive, doesn’t make us feel accomplished and even makes our IQ go down, we still do it! .
Multi-tasking is doing 2 or more things at the same time (such as talking on the phone while grocery shopping) or moving to and from tasks quickly. For example, writing a report, checking emails and doing your online banking. Multi-tasking is performed by the executive functions of the brain.
Researchers found there are 2 steps involved:
1) Goal shifting (choosing one item)
2) Role Activation (switching between the rules from one task to another)
Every time we switch tasks, we lose time. Some researchers believe we are 40% less productive when we multi-task.
Now, of course, there are some situations where we don’t get a choice. A mum looking after her children or staff in the ER room need to multi-task to keep everyone safe and responding to the needs of multiple people.
However, many of us don’t have to multi-task, but still create an environment where we do.
As an ADDer, you might multi-task because:
1) You are scared to forget to do something. You act on the thought right away, regardless of what you are working on when it popped into your mind.
2) You have a low threshold for boredom, so you don’t just talk to a friend on the phone; you are also playing a computer game.
3) You crave excitement; so by flitting from one thing to the next quickly, your adrenaline is pumping and life seems more exciting.
I love this video about multi-tasking and single-tasking and think you will too!
Pay particular attention to:
1) The description of going on tangents on the internet…(perfect portrayal!)
2) The analogy of having multiple tabs opened on the computer at once and darting. I don’t know one person with ADHD who has less than 10 tabs open at once.
Are you inspired now to try single-tasking?
Will you try “Tabless Thursday”?
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