A Surprisingly Effective Alternative to Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is the idea of doing two things at once and it’s a myth because you can’t actually focus on two things at once. Now before you tell me everything you’ve done at the same time and how it’s on your resume because your boss required it, so it must be true…hear me out. 

This week, episode 176 of the Positively Living Podcast is about a surprisingly effective alternative to multitasking! 

What we consider to be multitasking is really “task switching.” And you might be brilliant at it. And many employers expect it regularly, which irks me, but it’s not a battle I can fight now. 

With task switching, your brain shifts from one kind of focus to another, and if you have strong executive brain functions, you can do it in such a way that it seems simultaneous. However, even if you’re quite amazing at it, frequent task-switching is inherently problematic. 

I discuss: 

• What multi-tasking is and how we’re trained to think it works.
• Why multi-tasking doesn't work for most multi-passionates.
• A more effective alternative to multi-tasking.
• Examples of task combining and how to use it every day.

Strategic task combining is not a foolproof technique, but it is still far superior to task switching. 

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Positively Living and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/

If you’re a DIY dynamo looking for simplicity and productivity support, you’ll find it in the Positively Productive Resources Vault. It’s packed with the worksheets, checklists, workbooks, and recordings I use with clients. Go to http://www.positivelyproductive.com/podcastvault where the promo code PODCAST will give you a special listener discount.

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Ep 174: Why Multi-Passionates Need a Unique Productivity Strategy

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Music by Ian and Jeff Zawrotny

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Chapters

• 0:00 A Surprisingly Effective Alternative to Multi-tasking
• 2:01 Task switching vs. multitasking and its impact on productivity.
• 5:24 Task switching costs and productivity.
• 7:24 Task combining for improved productivity.
• 11:40 Leveraging technology for efficient task management.