The Myth of Multitasking: How to Actually Get More Done

Picture this: You’ve got 20 tabs open, two chat windows buzzing, and three projects due by the end of the week. But it’s fine—you’re a multitasking pro, right? You’re juggling emails, spreadsheets, and a video call (with your camera conveniently off) like a boss. You’re making progress.

Except… you’re not. You’re just really good at being busy. The truth is, multitasking doesn’t help you accomplish more—it just makes you feel like you are. It’s like running on a treadmill and expecting to arrive at your destination. Spoiler alert: You’re still in the same place, just a whole lot more tired.

So, what’s the deal? Why does multitasking feel so satisfying but result in so little? And how can you actually get more done without stretching yourself thinner than a slice of deli ham? Let’s dig into the science behind why multitasking is one of productivity’s greatest myths—and how to finally break free from its shiny, unproductive grip.

Source: James Clear

The science: why your brain hates multitasking

First off, let’s bust the myth: Your brain isn’t built to multitask. Sure, it can switch between tasks, but it’s really bad at handling more than one complex activity at a time. When you think you’re multitasking, you’re actually “task-switching.” That’s just a fancy way of saying your brain is frantically jumping back and forth between things, like a hyperactive toddler.

Every time you shift your focus, your brain burns energy reorienting itself. And here’s the kicker: This switching costs you time—up to 40% of your productive hours. So, when you bounce between a presentation, emails, messages, and your Twitter feed, you’re not just being inefficient. You’re draining your brain’s battery faster than a GPS app in the middle of nowhere.

Source: Psychology Today

The cost: how multitasking is sabotaging your productivity

Think you’re still getting stuff done? Think again. Multitasking comes with some nasty side effects:

1. Your IQ Drops: Yes, really. Trying to write a report while catching up on emails is like working after pulling an all-nighter. Multitasking lowers your IQ by up to 15 points, according to a University of London study. (For context, that’s roughly the same as smoking pot. So, no—answering messages during meetings isn’t making you look smarter.)

2. Your Work Quality Takes a Hit: Remember that brilliant idea you had for your project? Nope, neither do you. That’s because when you split your focus, you make more mistakes and lose track of important details. Research shows that multi-tasking lowers productivity, increases errors, slows you down, can be perceived as disrespectful, distracts you, decreases the quality of the task itself, causes stress, and leads to burnout.

3. Your Stress Levels Skyrocket: Constantly flipping between tasks floods your brain with cortisol—the stress hormone. That means every time you’re answering an email while on a call, your body thinks you’re in a high-stakes fight with a lion. No wonder you’re exhausted by 2 p.m.

Source: Forbes

The Solution: How to Accomplish More By Doing Less

So, what’s the answer? Simple: Stop multitasking. (Easier said than done, I know.) The key is to embrace single-tasking, the underrated productivity hack that will make you feel like a Jedi Master of getting stuff done. Here’s how to actually focus and make progress without burning out:

1. Use the “Two-Task Rule”

   Forget about doing 10 things at once. Instead, focus on just two main tasks each day. When you start your day, pick two priority items that, if completed, will make you feel accomplished. Everything else is bonus material. This helps you focus your energy and eliminates the urge to juggle a million small things that ultimately don’t matter.

2. Time-Block Your Calendar

   Set strict time blocks on your calendar for specific activities: 30 minutes for deep work, 10 minutes for emails, 15 minutes for a coffee break (and, okay, a quick Instagram scroll). By giving tasks a defined space, you can tackle them one at a time, guilt-free.

3. Create a “Distraction List”

   Ever been in the middle of writing when suddenly you remember you need to text your cousin about brunch this weekend? Instead of hopping on your phone, create a “distraction list.” Write down every random thought that pops into your head, and deal with it later. This way, you won’t derail your focus every time your brain decides to throw a non-urgent to-do your way.

4. Follow the 20-Minute Rule

   Set a timer for 20 minutes and commit to working on one task for the entire period. No tab-switching, no phone-checking. Just you and your spreadsheet, article, or (insert task here). Research shows that most people can focus deeply for about 20 minutes before their brain starts to wander. Once your timer goes off, give yourself a two-minute break and then dive back in.

5. Batch Similar Tasks Together

   Multitasking’s sneaky cousin is “task-switching”—the habit of jumping from completely unrelated activities (writing a report, then immediately jumping to that budget spreadsheet). Avoid this by batching similar tasks together. Need to make phone calls? Do them all at once. Respond to emails? Handle them in one focused chunk of time. This cuts down on context-switching, so your brain can settle into a rhythm.

6. Embrace the Power of “No”

   This might be the hardest strategy, but it’s essential. Saying “no” to distractions—whether it’s a surprise meeting request or the urge to check Twitter—creates space to say “yes” to focused, quality work. Be ruthless with your attention. Because every “yes” is a “no” to something else.

The Takeaway: Get More Done Without the Busywork

The myth of multitasking is just that—a myth. It’s time to stop chasing it. Instead, embrace the beauty of focusing on one thing at a time. You’ll do better work, finish faster, and—surprise, surprise—feel less stressed.

So, ditch the 20-tab chaos, shut down the notifications, and embrace the art of doing less to get more done. Because true productivity isn’t about how many balls you can juggle—it’s about how many you actually catch.

Now go, focus on one thing, and watch your productivity skyrocket.