Multi tasking: Why we are misunderstanding, Juggling Everything, getting Burnout, and what to do about it
Are you a "Master multi-tasker"?
It’s a label many of us women wear like a medal of valour. It's seen as a superpower, a necessity in the whirlwind of parenthood and juggling all the stuff, particularly in today’s society where we have to be a Jill of All Trades (able to be competent everywhere, right?!). Plus, if you think you’re not good at it, it layers on a sense of failure. But what if I told you that the celebrated act of multitasking is not only ineffective but could be what's keeping you back? I think it is pants, and here’s why…
The Myth Unveiled
Multitasking might feel like you're winning at everything, tackling to-do lists with a baby on the hip and a phone on the ear. Yet, studies have consistently shown that what we often consider multitasking is neither efficient nor productive. Surprisingly, those adept at multitasking don't perform as well as their single-tasking counterparts when put to the test (Stanford University Study).
The Reality Behind Multi-tasking - and why it is BS!
In his insightful book "The One Thing," which I hugely recommend, Gary Keller gives us a reality check. He cites studies, like the one from Stanford University, revealing that high multitaskers have more trouble organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information. Moreover, the term "multitasking" didn’t originally describe the bustling mother or the busy executive; it was coined for computers, and even they only simulate simultaneous processes by switching tasks rapidly.
Recommended reading: The One Thing by Gary Keller on Amazon.
The Cost of Constant Juggling
So, what's the real price we pay for this constant juggling act? Let's break it down:
1. Efficiency Takes a Hit: When we toggle between tasks, our brains don’t actually keep up. We lose time and make more mistakes, which means redoing work and wasting precious time we could have spent with our families or for ourselves (American Psychological Association).
2. Mental Overload: Our brains can't process multiple streams of information at the same high quality at the same time. This cognitive overload can lead to burnout – a mother’s nemesis (The Myth of Multitasking).
3. Stress Levels Soar: The pressure to perform multiple roles at once can lead to chronic stress, affecting our health and well-being. Isn’t this meant to reduce stress for mothers? Hmm, it turns out it's a high cost for something that's supposed to be a productivity booster. (Psychology Today).
The Power of Single-Tasking
What if we flipped the script? Imagine a day where you do less but accomplish more. Single-tasking allows you to dive deep, give your full attention, and complete tasks and feel you’ve ticked the box, TADA! It’s about being present in the moment.
The Transformation
As mums, when we focus on one task at a time, we model patience, presence, and thoroughness for our children. We can turn meal prep into a dance, and bedtime routines into precious memories. But we can also give ourselves the permisson to do one thing with focus, just for us, which will then lead to those outcomes above.
Let’s redefine what it means to be a productive/busy mum. It’s not about the quantity of tasks completed but the quality of attention we give to each part of our lives. By debunking the multitasking myth, we can find more fulfillment in our daily routines and, more importantly, in the moments that make our lives special.
Transform Your Days, Reclaim Your Time
Are you ready to step out of the multitasking madness and into a life where you reclaim time for what truly matters? The SO APP is designed to guide you on this very journey. Say goodbye to the chaos of constant juggling and hello to the clarity of focused action.
Join the So Liberating Community today and unlock:
Exclusive strategies to master single-tasking in your daily routine.
Personalized support to help you prioritize and reclaim time for yourself.
A community of like-minded women who understand the value of presence over hustle.
Access to resources that make every minute count towards the life you so deserve as a human being!
Make the switch from frazzled to focused. From overwhelmed to in control. Because when you prioritize your well-being, everything else falls into place.
🌟 Become a part of the Sisterhood Now 🌟
Let’s begin this transformative journey together. Your time, your joy, your peace — they're all waiting for you.
