4/21/25: Stop Multitasking: 3 Simple Shifts to Boost Focus and Productivity

In business—and life—we often think we’re accomplishing more by doing everything at once. As someone who works from home, I can’t tell you how often I’ve juggled a project, a load of laundry, and dinner prep all at once… only to end the day feeling like I’ve accomplished absolutely nothing. Sound familiar?  There are reasons why.

Here’s the truth: research shows multitasking decreases productivity. Why?  Multitasking reduces focus and concentration, increases cognitive load due to the mental energy it costs from shifting tasks, and tasks are completed slower. Not to mention the mental and emotional effects-mental fatigue, burnout, and reduced creativity.  But somehow, we wear our ability to multitasking like it is a bright, blinking badge of honor.  Peek at your resume, I bet somewhere it says, “great at multitasking”.  But now that you’ve heard now multitasking doesn’t accomplish more, wouldn’t you want to stop so you can get more done?  Let’s talk about three ways you can stop multitasking and get more done.

First, Make a prioritized to-do list, then work through it one task at a time. Focusing on one thing allows your brain to direct all its energy in a single direction. Yes, monotasking can feel boring—but switching constantly drains more mental energy and leaves you with less to show for it.

Secondly, tackle the tasks that require the most brainpower during your peak hours. For me, that’s morning. From 8:30am to 1:30pm, I reserve time for deep work—no distractions, one task at a time. Housework and low-stakes tasks? Those wait until later in the day when my energy dips.

Lastly, is the ability to pivot.  Sometimes life throws a curveball. Instead of half-finishing both the urgent and important tasks, pause. Pivot. Handle the fire fully, then return to your original focus. Half-finished work adds up and drains your energy faster than doing it right once.

So next time you are juggling two or more tasks and feel like you are just running in place, I want you to think about how little you are accomplishing by multitasking.  Then, take a deep breath, make a to-do list, and start working through those items one at a time in order of importance.  At first you may feel like you did less, but you did more, high quality work, while keeping your mind sharp and not bearing the mental impact of constantly juggling multiple responsibilities.

Think about how operate at home or work.  Are you a “one thing at a time” guy, or “all the balls in the air at once” gal?  Where can you improve?