So you think you can multitask? Not a chance!

If you're a parent,  a supervisor, a coach, or a grade school teacher, I bet you think you multitask all the time.  

Sure you can do multiple things simultaneously.  However, the idea of multitasking implies that you are successfully and effectively focusing on two (or more) different activities at the same time.  The operative word here in FOCUSING.  You might be able to effectively perform two tasks at once as long as only one of them requires your attention.  It's why you tell your teenagers not to text and drive.  It's why you don't let them watch TV while doing their homework.  

TASK SWITCHING
When we think we're multitasking, we are really task switching.  That's what author, Dave Crenshaw, calls it in his book The Myth of Multitasking.  We focus on one task for a few seconds, then switch our focus to the other task for a few seconds.  Both tasks don't have our full focus continuously.  For example:  You read your email during that conference call but you only tune into the call when you hear your name mentioned. You are talking to your sister on the phone while folding laundry. You're listening to her complain about her job until you find an busted ink pen in your jean's pocket. Then you're no longer listening to sis as you check all your clothes for ink spots. You park your car at the grocery store and don't remember where the car is because you were busy dealing with rambunctious kids while you were parking.  

Still not convinced?  Watch this video and see if you notice everything going on.

Distractions and Interruptions
Distractions and interruptions are the reason we cannot effectively multitask. A London based study revealed that when a person attempts to multitask, his concentration is diminished to the same degree as if that person were medically sedated.   Other things, people and priorities catch our attention and take us on a tangent.  And, we become "sedated" - unresponsive, lacking focused, not clear headed. 

Striving to be un-sedated
The next time you attempt to multitask, think about what you're focused on and what you should be focusing on.  Think about your top priority at that moment.  Be aware of your own reactions and interactions.  Notice how often you ask others to repeat themselves or don't remember the content of a conversation or communication.  In 2015, my goal is to be "unsedated" while I spend time with my family and friends, as well as my clients.  I don't want to miss any precious moments or important information.