Why multitasking might be the same thing as lying to yourself

You’re not doing two things at once. You’re just switching really fast – and doing both badly.

The human brain isn’t designed for multitasking. Yes, multitasking is mostly a myth.

We can walk and chew gum, sure – but writing an email while listening to a podcast, replying to a text, and pretending to be in a Zoom meeting? No.

Psychologists call this task switching, and it’s been shown to reduce productivity by up to 40%.

However, that’s not multitasking. That’s rather an advanced form of self-sabotage.

The problem is that we feel productive while doing it.

The brain releases little hits of dopamine every time we “jump” between tasks.

It feels good – but the outcome is worse.

Less depth. More mistakes. Zero clarity.

Quick tip:

Want to be sharper at work?

Batch your focus. 30 minutes on one thing. No tabs. No “quick check-ins.” Then you can pick up your phone.

The results might surprise you.

A colourful moment:

A manager once told me:

“I like to keep 17 tabs open – keeps my mind agile.”

I responded, “That’s not agility. That’s anxiety.”

He laughed nervously.

Then closed absolutely none of those 17 tabs.

See you next Wednesday.
//Thomas