We live in a world that glorifies “busyness”. The ability to juggle multiple tasks at once is often seen as a badge of honor, a symbol of efficiency, and a key to productivity. Whether we’re checking emails while sitting in meetings, sending texts while walking, or bouncing between countless browser tabs, we’re constantly trying to do more in less time.
But what if this celebrated ability to multitask is actually holding us back? The truth is, multitasking is not the superpower we’ve been led to believe it is. In fact, it’s one of the biggest barriers to achieving success. Focused work—doing one thing at a time—is where real progress happens, and science is on its side.
The Multitasking Myth
For decades, multitasking has been marketed as the ultimate productivity hack. The idea that you can handle multiple things simultaneously and get more done in the same amount of time sounds appealing, especially in a culture obsessed with time management and efficiency. But despite its popularity, the science behind multitasking tells a different story.
The brain is not designed to handle multiple complex tasks at the same time. When we attempt to do so, what we’re really doing is task-switching—shifting rapidly between activities. Each time we switch tasks, there’s a cognitive “cost” involved, as the brain has to refocus and reorient itself to the new task. This constant back-and-forth reduces efficiency, increases mistakes, and drains our mental energy.
The Illusion of Productivity
Multitasking creates the illusion of productivity. Because we’re doing more than one thing at once, it feels like we’re getting a lot done. But in reality, the quality of our work suffers. When attention is divided, errors multiply. Complex tasks, such as writing, problem-solving, or planning, require deep focus and attention to detail—two things that are impossible to achieve while multitasking.
For example, how many times have you sat through a meeting while trying to answer emails, only to realize afterward that you absorbed very little of the conversation? Or tried to handle a phone call while working on a report, only to make mistakes in both tasks? Multitasking gives the appearance of being busy and productive, but it prevents us from engaging fully with any one task, leading to poor outcomes and wasted time.
The same principle applies to creative work. Tasks that require creativity—such as designing, writing, or brainstorming—need uninterrupted time and space to flourish. When the brain is constantly interrupted, it can’t get into a flow state, which is essential for producing high-quality work. In the long run, multitasking undermines our ability to perform at our best, making us feel scattered and unproductive.
The Power of Focused Work
In contrast to multitasking, focused work allows us to engage deeply with one task at a time. This practice, often called “monotasking,” is where real productivity and success are born. When we devote our full attention to a single task, we not only complete it more efficiently, but we also improve the quality of our work and retain information better.
The key to focused work is eliminating distractions. In today’s world, distractions are everywhere—from the constant ping of notifications to the temptation of social media. To achieve focused work, we need to create an environment where interruptions are minimized. This might mean turning off notifications, setting boundaries with colleagues, or working in a quiet space where we can concentrate fully.
The concept of deep work, popularized by author Cal Newport, emphasizes the importance of long periods of uninterrupted focus. Newport argues that the ability to focus without distraction is one of the most valuable skills in today’s economy, and that those who cultivate this ability will have a significant advantage. Focused work allows us to tackle complex problems, think critically, and make meaningful progress toward our goals. Unlike multitasking, deep work helps us achieve high levels of productivity and satisfaction in our work.
The Science of Flow
One of the most compelling reasons to abandon multitasking in favor of focused work is the phenomenon of “flow.” Flow is a psychological state in which a person becomes fully immersed in a task, losing track of time and experiencing a sense of effortlessness. This state of deep concentration is where peak performance happens. Athletes, musicians, writers, and other high achievers often describe being “in the zone”—a state where everything else fades away and only the task at hand exists.
Flow is crucial for creative and intellectual work because it allows the brain to operate at its highest capacity. When we’re multitasking, we can’t enter a flow state because our attention is too fragmented. It’s only through deep, focused work that we can access the mental space needed for flow.
Achieving flow requires eliminating distractions and giving ourselves enough time to settle into the task. It can take 15 to 30 minutes to reach a flow state, so brief bursts of work—like those often experienced in multitasking—prevent us from getting there. The more time we spend in flow, the more productive and fulfilled we become. It’s not about working longer hours; it’s about working smarter, by prioritizing focus over fragmentation.
Striking a Balance: Creating Focus in a Distracted World
It’s not realistic to expect complete focus at all times. The nature of modern work often demands quick responses, flexibility, and the ability to switch between tasks. However, striking a balance between multitasking and focused work is essential for long-term success. The goal isn’t to eliminate multitasking entirely but to be mindful of when it’s appropriate and when it’s detrimental.
Start by identifying the tasks that require your full attention and set aside dedicated time for them. This could be the first few hours of your day or a specific block of time where you turn off all distractions and focus on the task at hand. Use techniques like time-blocking or the Pomodoro Technique to structure your focused work time and ensure you’re not tempted to multitask.
At the same time, recognize that there are moments when multitasking can be useful—such as answering emails while waiting for a meeting to start or listening to a podcast while exercising. The key is knowing when to multitask and when to focus deeply. Prioritize tasks that matter most and demand focus, while using multitasking for low-stakes activities that don’t require your full attention.