Multitasking is impossible. Here’s how to actually get things done
It’s often said women are far superior multitaskers than men – that they can effectively juggle work, relationships, kids and everything in between simultaneously, while many men struggle with same.
While I’d love to say that this is something inherent to our gender (because that’s what I’ve insisted to my husband for more than a decade), experts say this is likely not the case.
It seems much of what we’ve been led to believe about multitasking – the act of doing more than one task at a time – isn’t founded in science nor backed by research.
Multitasking will never be effective or efficient, according to experts.Credit: iStock
The problem with multitasking
According to Professor Paul Dux, a psychologist, and neuroscientist at the University of Queensland, multitasking isn’t an effective or efficient process.
“The main limitation of multitasking is the poor performance of tasks,” he says. “Whether you are learning in a classroom, operating a car or flying a 747, to perform a task well, you need to have an appropriate amount of attention devoted to it, and this is difficult with multitasking.”
The reason behind this, Dux says, is that despite humans having powerful brains, the majority of us cannot remember more than a handful of pieces of information at a time, which has huge implications for our attention.
“There have been instances where pilots locked in conversation have missed the runway by miles – a very staggering example of not being able to dedicate enough focus on more than one task at a time properly,” he says.
No, you can’t learn to multitask
Another misconception about multitasking is the idea that it’s a transferable skill.
“You don’t learn the skill of multitasking. Rather, you learn how to do two or more specific skills at the same time, especially if you do them regularly,” says Dux. “If you have learnt how to mash potatoes and grill chicken at the same time, does that mean that you’d then be able to monitor multiple planes at air traffic control? Probably not.”
According to Ragnar Purje, a neuroscientist and adjunct lecturer at Central Queensland University, the real issue with multitasking isn’t to do with its limited capabilities – it’s that “multitasking” isn’t real.
“Multitasking is a word that is popular and sounds good and important, but the extensive research is clear: multitasking as a descriptor exists, but it doesn’t exist in reality.”
Instead, Purje says that multitasking is the colloquial term for moving from one task to another: task-switching.
“As you move from one task to another, the brain has to make a biological adjustment, and because different parts of the brain have to become involved … there is a deficit cognitively,” he says.
The terminology we use – by saying “multitasking”, instead of “task-switching” – is important, Purje says, as it leads to a mindset that suggests this action is possible when, in fact, research proves it isn’t. This can lead to false expectations and confidence which, in some situations, can prove dangerous.
“You see people driving a car while also doing other things thinking all is OK, but it’s utterly, completely, catastrophically dangerous. You are either driving or you’re not.”
While it’s often said women are better at multitasking than men, it doesn’t benefit anyone.Credit: iStock
How to get things done
So, if multitasking is impossible, how do you get through your to-do list?
Purje believes that to get tasks done effectively we need to utilise sequence learning, by completing one thing at a time, for a specific period, with all of our attention.
“In sequence learning, the neurons in the brain fire sequentially one after the other as we are doing a task, and it is that process which leads us to the skills and the knowledge that we achieve.”
According to Dux, while there are no quick fixes, you can aim to operate in a way that’s “smarter”. This involves planning ahead of time to reduce the actual time spent multitasking and limiting distraction.
“If you’re making tacos for a party, for example, prepare all the ingredients you need, and put them into separate bowls before the guests arrive, so you don’t have to socialise while also trying to complete the more complex components of the recipe.”
Practice is also important, Dux says.
“Complete the tasks you need to do concurrently, so you get more effective at them.” For example, if you want to get better at taking minutes in work meetings, practice listening and note-taking at home, while watching TV or listening to a podcast.
Still, it is important to recognise that there are times when you can’t or shouldn’t multitask, Dux says, including any time you might be putting your safety, or the safety of others, at risk.
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