MultiTasking Does Not Always Save Time

We adopted the concept of multitasking from computers because of their ability to operate more than one program at any time. For instance I can tell my computer to print a copy of this article while I move on to Twitter and let the world know this is another article on time management is about to be published. I do not have to wait until the printing is complete before I start tweeting. While I am tweeting and printing I can also download an attachment I received.

Information technology has impacted our lives more than most of us realize. It has changed not only how we work but where we do it and when. Technology has also resulted in the globalization of business which has increased competition and changed the way business works. As a result, we feel we need to work harder to keep up. For instance, I can contact several businesses I work with, such as my server and domain manager 24 hours a day, seven days a week regardless of holidays. I can actually talk to a person.

In the meantime we often struggle to keep the boundaries between work and home. Being in touch with our clients and customers though our mobile phones, our smart phones, and text messaging narrows the boundaries even more.

As a result we try multitasking to help us cope with the demands and pressures of our work. We are convinced we have the ability to support or complete several tasks at the same time just like our computers.

We forget, however, that even our computers have problems with multitasking. All works well when the software I am using is compatible. However, my computer complains when it does not recognize a software program. It also puts up a huge fuss when I have opened too many programs and all are running at the same time. It is telling me enough and will not take on another program simultaneously.

Unfortunately, many of us do not know when to stop taking on another task.

We spend way too much time trying to cram more stuff into our day by adapting the computer technology of multitasking and applying it to our daily activities. The problem is multitasking does not work well for most of us.

There are some things you and I just know that we cannot do at the same time such as taking care of two or three unsatisfied customers at the same time. We become tired and make mistakes and are sometimes depressed because we cannot handle all the information. Talking on the phone, printing a document, looking up a keyword, browsing for a website is a style of work that takes away the chance to focus on your project and not focusing compromises the quality of your work.

I recently read an article about brain research that says our brain can actually handle two tasks at the same time. I am convinced it all depends upon which two tasks. State laws, for example, now prohibit text messaging while you drive. I can pay bills with the TV on but the TV is off when I need to do any writing other wise the article will need rewriting. In other words, multitasking may take up more of your time than completing each step separately.

Save a lot of time right now by figuring out which tasks require your complete attention and then make sure you give them their due.