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Now, lets jump into todays Newsletter!
We've all heard it — if you can juggle a dozen things at once, you're a productivity machine. It's practically workplace gospel at this point. Emails open, Slack pinging, half-finished Excel sheet, and you're also on mute in a meeting… sound familiar? If this describes your typical Tuesday morning, you're not alone. But here's the thing: you might be working harder, not smarter.
The Myth Everyone Believes:
• Doing multiple tasks simultaneously saves precious time.
• More plates spinning = more accomplished.
• Busy hands mean productive outcomes.
• Multitasking feels efficient, so it must be effective.
• If you're not constantly switching between tasks, you're somehow slacking.
The Reality Check:
Here's where things get interesting. Research consistently shows that task-switching actually costs you time — your brain takes roughly 20 minutes to fully refocus after being interrupted. That's not a typo. Twenty whole minutes to get back into your groove after someone drops by your desk or you quickly "just check" your messages.
• Mistakes increase dramatically when attention is split (hello, typos and missed details).
• You lose context and forget where you left off on previous tasks.
• What we call "multitasking" is really just rapid task-switching in disguise.
• Your brain isn't actually processing multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
Why This Myth Won't Die:
• Modern work culture rewards "being available everywhere, all the time".
• We confuse frantic activity with meaningful progress.
• It feels productive to have multiple browser tabs and applications running.
• Many workplaces still measure presence over performance.
What Actually Works Instead:
• Single-tasking with intention: Focus on one thing for a dedicated time block.
• Micro-prioritization: Pick one task that genuinely moves the needle before lunch.
• Time blocking: Protect 30-60 minutes for deep, uninterrupted work.
• Turn off notifications while tackling your most critical tasks.
• Batch similar activities like emails and messages instead of checking constantly.
• Set boundaries around when you're available for quick questions.
Multitasking makes you feel busy but actually slows you down. Real productivity comes from clarity and intentional focus, not from juggling everything at once like some kind of corporate circus performer.
So next time you catch yourself bragging about multitasking, try bragging about how quickly you crushed one important task instead. Your brain (and your deadline) will thank you.
As always have a great day and see you all tomorrow!
The Casual Workweek