Multi-tasking is the ability to think about and perform multiple tasks, duties, or actions at the same time. You may be familiar with the concept of walking and chewing gum at the same time – that’s a basic form of multi-tasking.
The issue with multi-tasking is that the conscious brain is unable to focus on one particular task or action at a time. If, while the conscious brain is focused on this one task or action, and the subconscious brain isn’t able to effectively perform the second task or action effectively (sometimes called, ‘muscle memory’), then it could essentially take more time to complete both tasks together than it would to complete them one at a time.
Multi-tasking can also increase the likelihood of errors or mistakes if not done properly. When your attention is split into two or more directions at a time, there’s an increased probability that steps or details will be overlooked – sometimes, without any awareness.
And, multi-tasking has been shown to use up brain energy more quickly than focusing on one task or action at a time. Therefore, fatigue can come into play, slowing down your ability to function efficiently and effectively until you get the proper rest.
But, the good news is that you can train yourself to effectively multi-task, especially through planning and preparation.
As your learn skills, your mind expands through more connections between your brain’s neurons. And, as those connections get stronger, the less you’ll have to think about what you’re doing.
The less you’ve to think about what you’re doing, the easier it’s to multi-task.
One key element to practicing and training to multi-task effectively is to take notes, or keep a log/journal. Take notes of ideas that come into your head, but that’ll distract you from your current focus. And, keep a log/journal of what you’ve completed versus what you still need to complete.
These two activities alone will help you maintain organization without taking away brain energy during the time of performance and action. They’ll also help you ensure that you’re not overlooking or missing any steps or details.
In addition, when attempting to multi-task, do your best to group similar and related tasks (or, at least, non-conflicting tasks) together. This will keep your brain from spending too much energy switching between thought processes.
Another tactic to multi-tasking is to combine tasks that don’t use much brain power. The tasks that don’t require your full focus, aren’t prone to vital errors, and/or that’re relatively simple allow you to multi-task with minimal risk of mistakes or failure.
You can also time your tasks so that you’re filling in pre-planned breaks of one task within another task.
But, remember that the brain and your active concentration can really only focus on one thing at a time.
Therefore, it’s best to focus on one task completely then switch to the next one and focus on it completely even if you’re working on both of them within the same time period.
If you switch back and forth two quickly, you risk mistakes and you can drain quite a bit of brain energy. So, give yourself enough time to adjust your mindset to the alternating tasks, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to achieve too much, too quickly.
It’s all about balance.
