Multitasking has become a habit for many of us – sending emails during meals, texting while walking, jogging while on a call and many more. It seems like we have this belief that doing many things at once is equal to being productive.
However, multitasking is a myth.
There is no such thing as doing the same things at once. We are merely switching tasks which end in zero productivity since those tasks don’t have our full attention. Not only that, multitasking can be harmful to our health, and nobody wants to miss out on a project.
With that in mind, here are 6 reasons why multitasking doesn’t work for your construction business and why you should stop it immediately.
1. Multitasking Causes Stress and Anxiety
Studies show that when you’re multitasking, your brain is on constant high-alert mode. This causes mental stress which leads to anxiety builds up which then leads to more stress. It turns into a cycle.
However, not all multitasking activities cause stress and anxiety. Still, multitasking is hard work for the brain and tiring for the body.
2. It Slows You Down
When you’re multitasking, you think that you are saving time. The truth is, it might take you longer to finish two tasks when you’re doing them simultaneously compared to doing them separately.
According to a study, it takes about 23 minutes and 15 seconds to refocus on a task after a distraction. Even small mental blocks caused by shifting between two tasks would already cost you 40% of your productive time.
Also, multitasking doesn’t allow you to be “in the zone”. This is a state of mind where you’re fully immersed in what you’re doing. Unlike multitasking where you feel drained, being in the zone gives you happiness and satisfaction because it will feel like you’re doing a task very skillfully and efficiently.
Time is a valuable resource; once gone, it’s gone forever. Are you going to spend it just trying to refocus on tasks instead of doing something that makes your business more money?
3. It Causes More Mistakes
Even with just one task at a time, we easily make mistakes. What more if you’re mind is divided into multiple tasks at once?
When you’re multitasking, information can overlap in your mind. You might end up doing on a task what’s needed to be done on a totally different task. If you’re a builder, you can’t afford to make any mistakes. It will cost you time and money to fix it and an unsatisfied client at that. That’s why every task needs your full attention.
4. You Miss Out on Life
Multitasking gives you “inattentional blindness”. It’s when you don’t notice what’s right in front of you because your brain is busy doing something else. You can see it, but it doesn’t register in your mind. This is more likely to happen when you always have your mobile phone with you.
If you’re on a call while taking a hike, are you fully able to see the scenery around you? If you’re always on your phone checking your emails while eating, are you thoroughly enjoying your meal?
This also relates to multitasking slowing you down. How many times have you missed reading your kids a bedtime story or joining a family dinner because you’re still trying to catch up on tasks? So do yourself a favour – put your phone down, don’t multitask to finish quickly, and focus on living your life.
5. Multitasking Makes You Dumb
A study in London shows that multitasking causes a temporary drop in your IQ by 10 points. It’s worse than the effect of losing a night’s sleep. It damages your performance at work, and the quality of your output is similar to that of an 8-year old.
Other than that, multitasking also hinders you from learning. The human brain cannot process multiple information from doing various tasks at once. You need to be focused to learn, and multitasking is keeping you from doing that effectively.
6. Multitasking Kills Innovation
Innovation is needed in business to create products or services that the market needs.
Working memory is temporary brain storage for the information on your current tasks. When you’re multitasking, you use up a lot of working memory, and you have enough to come up with innovative ideas. You might finish your tasks, but the output will always be of low quality.
As mentioned above, when you’re multitasking, you’re brain is in constant high-alert mode. Since your mind is busy trying to protect you from “danger”, you’ll have a harder time to imagine or have an epiphany.
Conclusion
So do you still want to be a multitasker?
Multitasking will make you feel busy at work. However, being busy doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re productive. Keep your brain healthy by focusing on a single task and taking breaks. This way, you can use it to come up with ideas that might help improve your business.
If you need help in keeping yourself and business in check, click here to book in for a quick chat with our coaches!
Okay enough reading and go back to working on your business.
