The Wastefulness (and Impossibility) of Multi-Tasking

Here’s some ancient wisdom:

To do two things at once is to do neither.” – Publius Syrus

And some modern “validation:”

People confuse “rapid-switching” with multi-tasking [NPR article]

And Peter Bregman explains that trying to multi-task makes us less-smart, less-productive and less-competent [HBR Blogs]

I’m convinced (of course I already knew that trying to multi-task was wasteful (and impossible . . . )), how about you?

Similar Posts

  • The Key To Change

    Change is a door that can only be opened from the inside. – Terry Neil Any change that doesn’t come from within, that isn’t freely chosen and authentic, is coerced, and will be resisted. Even if one successfully sustains a coerced change, some form/amount of misery will ensue. *  *  * Decide who you want…

  • The Keys to Success

    The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty. – Zig Ziglar Normally, people think of these things in terms of outward expressions of the above, but what if they were viewed through an inward looking lens? What if instead of thinking what you need to, or should, do…

  • Have Something Better To Do

    I receive Hugh MacLeod’s blog updates and highly recommend you subscribe as well. One recently got my attention and reminded me of a favorite quote from one of my mentors (Thomas Leonard): “People do what they do because they don’t have anything better to do.” Check out Hugh’s blog post here before reading on. I…

  • The Difference Between Interest and Committment

    If you’re interested, you’ll do what’s convenient. If you’re committed, you’ll do whatever it takes. – John Assaraf Many people are “interested” in succeeding, they’re interested in achieving certain goals. Truth be told, I am (merely) interested in some (of my) goals. The difference between what I’m interested in and what I am willing to work…