"What's the one thing you hate?" Me:

I often say, “I do not like multitasking. I can’t do it, and I do not advocate for it.” So, when people ask me, “Do you even sleep with all the stuff you’re doing?” It’s often from the perspective of “How do you make time for all this?”

So, I thought I’d dive a bit deeper today into why multitasking isn’t the productivity hack it’s made out to be and how I manage to juggle everything without falling into that trap.

Hello, how’s it going? Happy November!!!!

Let’s Talk About the Multi-Tasking:

Why I Don’t Multitask

Multitasking seems like the perfect way to get more done, right? But for me, it’s a fast track to feeling overwhelmed and doing a lot of things poorly. Every time I’ve tried to juggle multiple tasks, I’ve noticed my efficiency nosedive

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The Science of Multitasking

I just love every time I can be like, “I am not just saying it guys, science showsss”- spoken like a true “back it up with facts/data” kinda gal. Anwayssss,

1. Cognitive Overload

Our brains aren’t wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. What we think of as multitasking is actually rapid task-switching, which exhausts cognitive resources. According to the American Psychological Association, switching between tasks can reduce productivity by up to 40%. That’s nearly half your day lost to inefficiency! :(

2. Memory and Accuracy Decline

Stanford research found that frequent multitaskers struggle with memory and are more prone to mistakes. When your brain constantly shifts focus, it becomes harder to retain information and complete tasks accurately.

3. Quality Takes a Hit

Studies also show that multitasking reduces the quality of work. The constant interruptions make it harder to filter out irrelevant information, leading to scattered thinking and lower-quality output :(

Deep Focus: The Real Game-Changer!!!

Instead of spreading my attention thin, I kinda made deep focus my go-to, my calendar has “DW” hours blocked. This means going all in on one task at a time, allowing me to produce higher-quality work in less time.

Why Deep Focus Works:

• Efficiency: Focusing on a single task eliminates the cognitive load of task-switching.

• Creativity: With fewer distractions, I can think more clearly and creatively.

• Fulfillment: Completing a task with full attention feels far more satisfying than half-hearted multitasking.

How I Stay Focused

1. Time Blocking: I schedule dedicated blocks for each task, ensuring I give my full attention without distractions.

2. Distraction-Free Zones: When it’s time to focus, I mute notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and sometimes even leave my phone in another room (or the bathroom!) to avoid temptation.

3. Mindful Prioritization: Each day, I choose 2-3 key tasks that align with my bigger goals and give them my undivided attention.

The Big Takeaway

You don’t need to multitask to get things done. By focusing deeply on one task at a time, you’ll not only improve the quality of your work but also find greater joy and satisfaction in the process. So, next time someone asks if I sleep, I’ll smile and say, “Yes, because I don’t multitask.”

What’s one task you’ll commit to focusing deeply on today? Let me know—I’d love to hear how deep focus changes your productivity!!

Seriously, let’s ditch the multitasking myth and adopt the power of deep work!!!

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For me, it’s about finding quality over quantity. One thing I’m focusing on lately? Prioritizing a handful of impactful tasks each day. It’s easy to think we need to accomplish a mountain of to-dos, but sometimes, less is more.

Quick Challenge for the Week:

• Challenge for the Week:

  Here’s a simple challenge to get you started:

  1. Choose One Task: Pick the most important task on your to-do list today.
  2. Set a Timer for 25 Minutes: Dive into it with full focus—no distractions, no multitasking.
  3. Reflect: Once the timer’s up, take a 5-minute break and ask yourself: How did it feel to work deeply?

  Repeat this for another task, and see how much more you can accomplish with less stress. Let me know how it goes.

Happy Sunday and here’s to a productive and balanced week ahead!

Until Thursday,

Anusha Kannan

THIS WEEK ON The Pivot to Balance Podcast

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