Ms. Career Girl

Day 23: So You’re Great at Multitasking? Here’s Why It’s Bad for You and Your Career

by · Oct 28, 2024

This is day 23 of our 30 day series “30 Simple Things to Do to Change Your Life in 30 Days. If you missed a day, links to previous articles follow this article

In today’s fast-paced world, being able to juggle multiple tasks at once often feels like a badge of honor. Many of us, especially busy professional women, pride ourselves on our ability to multitask—handling emails, managing meetings, responding to texts, and completing projects simultaneously. But while multitasking might make us feel more productive, the truth is, it’s actually doing more harm than good.

On Day 23 of our 30-day challenge, we’re going to take a hard look at the downside of multitasking and offer some alternatives that will help you be more effective and less stressed in your career and daily life.

The Problem with Multitasking

While multitasking may seem like an efficient way to get more done in less time, research shows that it’s far from productive. In fact, multitasking can reduce efficiency and performance, leading to more mistakes and higher stress levels.

Cognitive Overload

When you try to do multiple tasks at once, your brain is forced to switch rapidly between them, and this constant shifting causes cognitive overload. Your brain has to reorient itself each time you switch tasks, meaning you’re never fully focused on any one thing. The result? Tasks take longer to complete, and you’re more likely to make errors along the way.

Reduced Quality of Work

Because your attention is divided, the quality of your work suffers. When you’re not fully present with one task, you’re more prone to making mistakes, overlooking details, or producing work that’s not your best. This can affect your professional reputation and lead to rework, which takes even more time.

Increased Stress and Burnout

Multitasking can increase stress levels because it creates a sense of being constantly “on” and scattered. You may feel overwhelmed by trying to keep track of everything, and this heightened state of stress can lead to burnout over time. For busy professional women balancing career and personal life, multitasking can quickly become overwhelming, leaving little room for rest and recovery.

hustle culture

The Science: Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work

Studies have shown that multitasking actually impairs cognitive performance. According to research from Stanford University, people who multitask regularly struggle to filter out irrelevant information, focus on tasks, and switch between tasks efficiently. Multitaskers often take longer to complete tasks than those who focus on one thing at a time, and they’re more likely to experience memory issues and decreased mental performance over time.

In essence, multitasking is a productivity myth. So what’s the alternative? Here are some practical tips that will help you become more productive, less stressed, and more focused without falling into the multitasking trap.

Alternatives to Multitasking for Busy Professional Women

Prioritize and Time Block

Instead of trying to juggle multiple things at once, start by prioritizing your tasks for the day. What are the most important things you need to accomplish? Once you have your priorities straight, use time blocking to dedicate specific periods of time to each task.

For example, block out two hours to focus solely on that important presentation, followed by an hour for responding to emails. By setting aside dedicated time for each task, you’ll be able to give it your full attention, finish faster, and produce higher-quality work.

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps you focus on one task at a time, while also allowing for regular breaks to rest your brain. Here’s how it works:

  • Choose a task to work on.
  • Set a timer for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro session).
  • Work on the task without interruptions for the full 25 minutes.
  • Take a 5-minute break after each Pomodoro session.
  • After four Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break (15–30 minutes).

This technique trains your brain to focus on one thing at a time, while the breaks help prevent burnout. It’s especially helpful for busy women who need to balance multiple demands without feeling overwhelmed.

Batch Similar Tasks Together

Another effective alternative to multitasking is to group similar tasks together. For instance, instead of checking your email every time a new message comes in, set aside specific times during the day to process emails in bulk. This minimizes distractions and keeps you from constantly switching between tasks.

You can do the same for phone calls, meetings, or other tasks that require similar mental energy. This approach helps you stay in the flow, making you more efficient.

Practice Mindfulness and Be Present

Mindfulness is the practice of staying present and focused on the task at hand. When you’re fully present in your work, you’re less likely to feel scattered or overwhelmed. Start by committing to focusing on one task at a time, whether it’s writing a report, having a conversation, or even making dinner. The more you practice being fully engaged in one activity, the easier it becomes.

By practicing mindfulness, you’ll also notice that your stress levels decrease, and your productivity increases. You’ll feel more in control of your day, rather than being pulled in multiple directions at once.

Delegate and Ask for Help

As a busy professional woman, it’s tempting to try and handle everything yourself, but that’s often a fast track to burnout. Recognize that you don’t have to do it all. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, whether it’s at work or at home.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Delegating not only lightens your load but also allows you to focus on the tasks that truly require your attention and expertise. Learning to delegate effectively is a sign of leadership, not weakness.

Set Boundaries for Distractions

Part of the reason multitasking feels necessary is because we’re constantly bombarded with distractions, whether from coworkers, notifications, or social media. Set boundaries to minimize these interruptions.

• Turn off notifications on your phone and computer when working on important tasks.

• Let others know when you’re unavailable by using a “do not disturb” signal.

• Schedule times for checking messages or social media, so they don’t disrupt your focus throughout the day.

The Long-Term Benefits of Single-Tasking

When you shift from multitasking to single-tasking, the benefits are clear:

• Improved Focus and Concentration: You’ll be able to dive deeper into your tasks and produce better results.

• Higher Quality Work: With your full attention on one task at a time, the quality of your work will improve.

• Less Stress: You’ll feel more in control of your day, reducing the overwhelm that comes with constant multitasking.

• Greater Efficiency: By focusing on one task at a time, you’ll actually complete tasks faster and more effectively.

• More Career Growth: Producing high-quality work consistently can lead to more recognition, promotions, and career advancement.

Conclusion: Multitasking Isn’t the Answer

While multitasking might seem like a way to get ahead, it’s actually holding you back. By focusing on one task at a time, prioritizing, and practicing mindfulness, you’ll not only reduce stress but also become more productive and effective in your career.

So, if you’ve been wearing your multitasking skills like a badge of honor, it’s time to trade them in for a new approach—one that empowers you to focus, achieve more, and truly thrive in your professional and personal life.

Previous articles in this series can be found here:

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Ms. Career Girl was started in 2008 to help ambitious young professional women figure out who they are, what they want and how to get it.