The Multitasking Myth

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Multitasking is a myth. It is physically impossible to perform two conscious acts at one time.  Neurologically, the human brain is only capable of performing one conscious task at a time. When you switch to another task, one set of neurons turns off and a new set of neurons are are turned on. When you continuously switch from one set of neurons to the another set of neurons, you lose efficiency and tax your brain. So-called “multitasking”, consumes too much brain fuel (oxygen and glucose) and wears out your brain. Those who pride themselves as great at multitasking are actually burning much more brain fuel and making inefficient use of brain function.

Don’t believe me? Here’s a little exercise to prove that those who multitask are far more inefficient than those who focus on one task at a time:

EXERCISE #1

  1. Take out a piece of paper and draw a horizontal line across the middle of the page. On the top portion of the page I will ask you to write the words: I AM A GREAT MULTITASKER.
  2. On the bottom portion of the page I will ask you to write the numbers 1 through 20. Example, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
  3. I am going to ask you to time yourself while you perform each task and write down your time for each task.

Start EXERCISE #1

It should have taken you about 15 seconds to write out the words: I AM A GREAT MULTITASKER.

It should have taken you about 45 seconds to write out the numbers 1 through 20.

EXERCISE #2

Now, I would like you to turn the page over and draw the same horizontal line across the middle of the page. This time I would like you to time yourself as you perform both tasks simultaneously (at the same time). For example, write the letter I and then write the number 1. Then write the letter A and write the number 2. Then write the letter M and write the number 3. Keep doing this until you have completed the words: I AM A GREAT MULTITASKER and you have completed writing all of the numbers from 1 through 20.

Start EXERCISE #2

It should have taken you about two minutes, or twice as long, to perform EXERCISE #2  as it did to perform EXERCISE #1.

Self-made millionaires do not multitask. They focus like a laser on completing one task at a time. Focusing on one task at a time, until you complete the task, is a Rich Habit. Multitasking is a Poverty Habit. If you want to be successful in life, you must walk in the footsteps of the wealthy and the yellow brick road self-made millionaires walk is paved with Rich Habits.

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Thomas C. Corley About Thomas C. Corley

Tom Corley is a bestselling author, speaker, and media contributor for Business Insider, CNBC and a few other national media outlets.

His Rich Habits research has been read, viewed or heard by over 50 million people in 25 countries around the world.

Besides being an author, Tom is also a CPA, CFP, holds a master’s degree in taxation and is President of Cerefice and Company, a CPA firm in New Jersey.
 
Phone Number: 732-382-3800 Ext. 103.
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Comments

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