You’re not going to like this. It’s time to say goodbye to multitasking—it’s simply not the superhero skill we once thought. It turns out, multitasking can slash productivity by as much as 40%.
I’ve been teasing my husband for years (actually... decades. Eek!) about the non-existent male multitasking ability (that, and looking with his ‘man eyes’), because we all know that women excel where men fail. But a recent revelation has made me rethink.
It appears that multitasking isn’t actually a thing. We can’t ACTUALLY do several things at the same time; we simply switch back and forth between tasks. Who knew?
This got me thinking. Even if women are better at this rapid switching (and, of course, we are) does it even matter when it actually dents our productivity?
Being ‘busy’ often masks true productivity, and might just be the final nail in your business coffin. Busy work is not efficient, productive work.
Thankfully, there’s good news. I’ve got you. I’ve gathered some productivity tips to help you claw back some of your precious time.
1. Experiment with Productivity Techniques
a. Try the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, which can improve productivity and get you away from your screen.
b. Engage in timeblocking, especially useful for tasks like social media content creation. It keeps tasks concise and manageable. I’ve been timeblocking for the excellent 10:10 challenge this week, which really helps, otherwise I could be at it for hours! Quick, easy, and no specialist tools required.
(Not heard of the 10:10 Challenge? Buy a copy of Helen Bullen's 10:10 Challenge and try it for yourself - the ultimate productivity tool!)
c. Use time boxing to structure your day around client needs, enhancing focus and efficiency. This is how my calendar is organised and it keeps me on track
2. Adopt the Eisenhower Matrix:
I have two kinds of problems: the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower
By adopting this decision-making matrix, you can prioritise which tasks to focus on, which to delegate and which to ditch! It may help you also identify where your precious time goes (TikTok, anyone?)
3. Get Outside:
I know – groundbreaking idea. It might sound simple, but stepping out can significantly boost your mental clarity and productivity. Whether it's a morning walk or just a quick breath of fresh air, make it a part of your daily routine. In the 10:10 challenge, Helen insists participants get out for ‘just 10 minutes… then you can turn around and come back if you don’t like it’. Good one. I just did 20 minutes…
But. It. Works.
Just Go. With or without a dog, go on your own, rope in a friend, loved one or neighbour but get yourself outside regardless of the weather and get some oxygen in your airbags. But go. You will rarely regret getting out for a walk. It's good for your mental health, productivity, physical health and prevents people like me from becoming complete hermits.
Hell, if you want to, run instead. Luna wishes I would.
So, let’s pivot from glorifying ‘busy’ to championing genuine productivity.
What are your thoughts on multitasking? Agree or disagree? If you found these tips helpful, consider giving me a follow.
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