3 Reasons multitasking sucks for you. Your divided attention.
By 
Normal Joe | July 22, 2008
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Do you think multitasking will help you get more done?
I know, we all come from the time and place where multitasking is the norm, but the question is, does it work? Even more specifically, does multitasking work for bloggers and internet marketers?
I have my own little theories about this, which I aim to share with you in this post.
First off, where did this term come from? The term multitasking, is derived from the process by which a computer’s cpu handles more than one task at a time. I know it is said that the human brain is the most complex of computers, and I agree. The thing is, by default, we are already multitasking, we just aren’t as aware of it.
WHAT?
If you’re typing at the same time your are sitting, or listening to music as you type, all these things can be considered multitasking. Heck, the operation of our 5 senses can be looked at as multitasking.
So what’s the big deal? Well, multitasking as we look at it now, involves actively trying to complete or participate in more than one thing at once. This is fine for certain situations, but can prove to be counter-productive to reaching ones goals.
Why multitasking sucks for marketers, bloggers, and normal people everywhere.
- It gives you the illusion that you are making proper use of your time, when in reality you are only making small steps in multiple directions
- By default it will require you to give less than full attention to any one task. It is impossible to give you full attention to more than one thing at a time…hence the term “undivided attention”
- It producers within us the illusion that we are “busy” when really, if we just take time to focus we will get more done.
I could go on, but let’s just look at these 3 reasons multitasking sucks for you, and why.
The time management illusion
Oh yeah, you’ve got the IM open, email open, working on your ad campaign, while simultaneously writing your next blog post. You feel pretty good about yourself don’t you? I know, you’re efficient, being able to handle all those things at once…you sly dog you! Now, let’s imagine how much quicker you could complete these tasks by focusing on one at a time. Hmmm….still don’t see it?
How much faster would you write your blog post if you didn’t have that “ding” every couple seconds, or that new “product to end all products” popping up in your inbox? I’d imagine you could cut the time you spend on that article at least in half.
What about that ad campaign? Don’t you think it would be much easier to focus without the random “hey dude” popping up while your researching? So what you put ” doing keyword research” on your chat client status….let me give you a little secret I DON’T CARE!! If I see you on, I’m gonna say hey….if for nothing more just to say ” hey man, just saying hey”. CLOSE THE CHAT
Your divided attention
In the same way as above, we can also see how your attention is divided. You can’t simultaneously devote all your attention to that article while answering chats and emails, it’s impossible, you just can’t. Think about it, what happens when your’re typing, mid articles, mid thought and that chat window pops up? BAM, attention altered….you just shifted it to the chat, or the email, or the hot pocket sauce you spilled on your keyboard.
Are you really THAT busy?
Multitasking also gives us the illusion that we are super busy. How’s that? We like to “multitask” on projects, or, what we like to call projects. Let me give you a bit of advice, and….I don’t want you to stop being my friend because of it.
Just because you write something down in your notepad does not mean it is a project!
Oh, I know you’re not guilty of this one…so, I’ll just talk about me. As a marketer, or blogger, it’s almost commonplace to throw out how busy you are will all your “projects”. I don’t even think we realize it. Now, while there are very much multiple projects you may be working on…we tend to include even the “ideas” as projects. This plays a trick on our minds, and we really think we are that busy.
What good is it to your project if you only spend an hour on it before moving to the next idea? Here’s a though…and, feel free to implement it. FOCUS ON ONE AT A TIME, seriously, focus on one thing at a time. If it’s a new blog, focus on that blog. How long should you focus? That’s up to you, just make sure you have a SPECIFIC GOAL, you need to reach before moving on.
Maybe you’re working on site A this week, and Site B next week. Maybe you need 5 articles for your newest mini site…cool, finish those before you move on to your blog, or your help desk software install.
Really, multitasking is not productive at all, instead of getting things done, with precision and focus, we are all over the place doing a little here and a little there. It’s sorta like painting your wall with a paintbrush as opoosed to just throwing a bucket of paint on there. Sure, you’ll get some paint on the wall, but, it was so unfocused that you’ll have to spend time going back to get the spots you missed. Why not just take the time, paint it…and move on?
Topics: Organization and Productivity |
20 Responses to “3 Reasons multitasking sucks for you. Your divided attention.”
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@ JK: These sure look like some good old fashioned fancy footwork used by yours truly! What a nightmare just living life can be huh! 3 steps forward… 5 backward. Ahhh the life of a blogger.
You need to go Check out Zania’s blog about Prozac….
Checkout Piss Biscuits last blog post..New Additions!
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 am
I hear ya buddy! Prozac may be in order lol….
I think we all do this at some point, but, if we recognize and try to correct it, we will see massive improvements.
Checkout Normal Joes last blog post..3 Reasons multitasking sucks for you. Your divided attention.
Another totally brilliant post Joe! I am guilty of a few things you mentioned - it is good to see the way you have written it out here and makes me re think things that I know I am doing wrong.
Checkout theaffiliateposts last blog post..Notes To PissBiscuit - Thank You!
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:24 am
Thanks AP ( hope you don’t mind that…I have kind of given you a nickname lol)
I’m glad I can help out. I know some people may get sick of me talking about this topic, but, I feel it’s necessary. I have to be true to what’s on my mind….if that sets me apart from other bloggers in a similar arena that’s cool.
I know people come here and assume I will “teach them how to make money”.
Lol, truth is, I’m not an authority on that, this blog is simply about sharing what works for me in that area, and how I think others can get there. In all actuality, things like this are much more important for one’s success than ” how to write an email series”. Though, I will touch on that as well
Okay, I wen’t off on a little rant…it’s just good to see people appreciate the content, as I wasn’t sure if I’d turn some people off with it, but, I knew how much it has been helping me and that’s what I’m here for…to help!
Checkout Normal Joes last blog post..3 Reasons multitasking sucks for you. Your divided attention.
“you’ve got the IM open, email open, working on your ad campaign, while simultaneously writing your next blog post.”
That’s me, got it in one!
But yes, you are right. I would get more done if I concentrated on one thing at a time.
Trouble is… deciding which comes first..
Great post!
Checkout zanias last blog post..One Mans Goal Fights Back
July 24th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Zania I think we all do this or have done it! I am just finding out I get a lot more done if I focus on one thing. Just pick one, what is the main project for the day or week?
I like to finish up “projects” that are nearly complete, or I have been working on for a while. Get those all buttoned up first.
As long as you get one major thing done per day, you’re making progress. By major, I mean something directly related to improving your business.
I like your opinions on this subject :).
I admit I’m guilty of being one of these people.
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July 24th, 2008 at 6:50 am
We all are buddy! Hahahaha, it takes practice, but trust me, you’ll be much more productive in less time!
Checkout Normal Joes last blog post..3 Reasons multitasking sucks for you. Your divided attention.
You are right of course.
I logged on today, deciding to check my emails and then get straight on with building a new website…
But I came in here first and decided I needed an avatar for SezWho, so I signed up there and am fiddling about with that now…
Easily distracted or what!
July 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Well, I am glad you came to my site and that it is a normal part of your day.
However….
May I suggest that you first build that new website, then check your emails, and build your social profiles. Unless you are running a helpdesk for your business, in which, you need to take care of your customers.
If not, build first, then read…because emails lead u down the rabbit hole into tons of other things we hadn’t planned on reading and/or partaking in at the moment.
Alternatively….I am glad you got your sezwho setup!
Man… People really do that stuff? I know I don’t do any of that! LOL…
July 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Well, you’re a step ahead of the rest! lol
now….which blog are you working on today? Hahahaha
Yeah Joe, you’re right of course.
Just had to answer you and now I’ll be on my way
Checkout zanias last blog post..Make Money Blogging. A Beginners Story
July 24th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Hahaha….cool
Checkout Normal Joes last blog post..IMwithJoe flips out on moneybites.com and Market Leverage
Multitasking is something I’m very good at and also one of my biggest problem. I can do 100 things at the same time, but I’m not always doing these 100 things right. That’s why I try to focus a little more on doing just 1-2 things at the same time. I do a little less but with better quality!
Checkout Bens last blog post..What else can you use to drive traffic?
July 27th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Indeed! I think we live in the age of multitasking, but, studies show and life itself reveals that it’s not the best way to operate. We can do multiple things at once, but, when we try to do multiple tasks at once the quality fades.
It’s not something that is easily changed though, we have to keep practicing discipline to get into a good rhythm.
Checkout Normal Joes last blog post..How do you know you got a Google page rank update
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
Checkout AlexMs last blog post.."Inappropriate billionaire" made the "Google" office paradise
August 14th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Welcome to the site Alex
Glad you found it interesting, hope to see you around here more often!
Checkout Normal Joes last blog post..How to Pimp your Wordpress Admin Panel
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