14 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
14 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is Multi-Tasking Killing Your Productivity?

by TiffanyLambert
11 replies
I always see people recommend that you learn how to multi-task in this industry, but it can be really harmful to your productivity. But they recommend it because as an Internet marketer, you feel overwhelmed trying to get enough done each day and stay organized, so multi-tasking seems to be the only answer.

There was a scientific article I read awhile back that said multi tasking causes a lower rate of productivity. This is because your brain needs your full attention to process the information for that individual task properly.

If you're multi tasking, your brain has to try to digest multiple streams of information at once. Try watching 5 TV shows at once and see how much you get out of it.

As an Internet marketer, you have to educate and APPLY yourself on a myriad of things - how to get traffic, web design, selling strategies - the list goes on and on.

So what happens if you're reading an eBook on blogging while trying to blog at the same time, and checking forum posts in between while you also answer emails? Your productivity comes to a standstill and two hours later, you feel like you worked hard and still didn't get anything accomplished.

Instead of taking the multi-tasking route, set up a schedule giving each task your individual attention. Isn't it better to devote 15 minutes of your time to traffic building and see solid results than to spend an hour changing gears between tasks and then being
disappointed because you expected to see an hour's worth of results, which didn't materialize?

Remember, multiple streams of income are good, but multiple tasks occurring all at once can put the brakes on your success.

Tiff
#killing #multitasking #productivity
  • Profile picture of the author sparrow
    I have to agree with you on this point,

    If you read many of the pleas of people struggling with their business I find many of them are trying to do to much and not focusing on what is important.

    I blame much of this to the hype of this technique getting top rankings and this method will get you 1000's of optins in days, the list goes on and on.

    I frequently speak to lost souls on following the next big thing looking for instant success.

    Business has operated on this planet for centuries with sound business practices and the internet is no different. In order to see results you need to keep focused and doing less sometimes is more.

    Ed
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147016].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Richard Tunnah
      Good post Tiff. I think I like many new IM marketeers was guilty of this for quite a while until a few years ago when I realized it was better to outsource the things that I either couldn't do well or were taking my time up. That's the key for me in growing. Plus getting something complete before moving on to the next project.

      Rich
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147023].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Paul Viner
        Good advice :-)

        It is only recently that I have begun to focus solely on one task at a time. It is difficult, but the rewards are tangible.

        I think it was Brian Tracy who talked about "eating your frog" one at a time. In other words take your biggest task of the day in the morning and complete that before you move on to anything else. By doing this you can be sure that whatever distractions occur later on ,you will have managed to achieve your most important task right at the beginning of the day.

        I used to leave the tasks that i didn't really want to do until the end of the day (such as article writing). But this didn't really help my productivity as i would either be too tired or not focused enough to complete the writing.

        Paul.
        Signature
        Buy PLR
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147048].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TeamGlobal
      I have to admit that for me it is more productive to concentrate on one task at a time rather than multi-task in most situations.

      I function much better when I am organized and distraction free and that helps me with my challenges with focus.

      Using a stopwatch has really helped me out as well. When I give myself a certain amount of time for a task it forces me to focus and get that task done and then move on to the next task.

      This has made an incredible difference in my productivity.


      All The Best,


      Tony
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147042].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mattkau
    I totally agree and as rich said, if you are still struggling for whatever reason, pay some (outsource) the work, that way the important things always get done.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147056].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
    As a webdeveloper I learned long ago that you must multi-task especially when you offer full lifetime support on your work such as I do. I may have 4 clients contact me at the same time about this or that but all 4 run totally different kinds of sites.

    I provide my support through yahoo IM so in my business multi-tasking is not a choice but a requirement..lol

    James
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147182].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel E Taylor
    Honestly I have seen this advice, and I think it
    is not black and white.

    Sometimes it's better to focus on one task
    and sometimes it's more productive to
    multi-task.

    Just depends on the tasks at hand.

    For instance, I like to respond to emails,
    write my broadcasts, and do all the other
    small tasks all at once.

    So while one is loading or "sending" I'm working
    on the next thing.

    But if I'm writing sales copy I'll focus on that only.

    So FOR ME it's more of a matter of what the tasks
    are.

    Daniel
    Signature

    Self Actualization is one's true purpose. Everything
    else is an illusion.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147380].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melody
    Unfortunately, while I work from home - I have three completely different businesses and have to deal with issues from all 3 at the same time. A typical day may have me on a conference call for one business while answering emails for another.

    It does fry the brain cells by the end of the day..........I would love to be able to take it one task at a time - but that simply isn't practical right now.

    Fortunately - one of my largest clients may be acquired soon by a major company and I will be able to focus on one biz ;-)

    That would be like a vacation!
    Signature
    Our first "Digital Yard Sale"! A massive PLR Blowout Sale to help a friend pay medical expenses.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147392].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    Hi Tiff,

    I've done a combination of both - I have lots of things going on but I do one at a time

    I'm a very creative person and my mind likes to have several things to get on with. I always have several books that I'm reading at any one time too. I just like to switch off sometimes and let the thoughts come to me while I'm doing a different task.

    For me, when I only focus on one project I get bored easily and find that doing several things is the best way for me to be productive.

    Sometimes I outsource some of those things, but I almost never only have one thing going on - unless it's relaxing - I do that a lot on its own.

    Andy
    Signature

    nothing to see here.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147393].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
      I've seen studies that support both views. Frankly, there are times that call for multi-tasking and there are other times when I need to have more focused concentration on one task. Coffee helps too (army study).....

      RoD
      Signature
      "Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."
      - Jim Rohn
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147407].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
    Originally Posted by TiffanyDow View Post

    I always see people recommend that you learn how to multi-task in this industry, but it can be really harmful to your productivity. But they recommend it because as an Internet marketer, you feel overwhelmed trying to get enough done each day and stay organized, so multi-tasking seems to be the only answer.

    There was a scientific article I read awhile back that said multi tasking causes a lower rate of productivity. This is because your brain needs your full attention to process the information for that individual task properly.

    If you're multi tasking, your brain has to try to digest multiple streams of information at once. Try watching 5 TV shows at once and see how much you get out of it.

    As an Internet marketer, you have to educate and APPLY yourself on a myriad of things - how to get traffic, web design, selling strategies - the list goes on and on.

    So what happens if you're reading an eBook on blogging while trying to blog at the same time, and checking forum posts in between while you also answer emails? Your productivity comes to a standstill and two hours later, you feel like you worked hard and still didn't get anything accomplished.

    Instead of taking the multi-tasking route, set up a schedule giving each task your individual attention. Isn't it better to devote 15 minutes of your time to traffic building and see solid results than to spend an hour changing gears between tasks and then being
    disappointed because you expected to see an hour's worth of results, which didn't materialize?

    Remember, multiple streams of income are good, but multiple tasks occurring all at once can put the brakes on your success.

    Tiff
    I totally agree with you and this is a huge point.

    I think the tide is shifting toward "single" tasking b/c people are realizing the fallacy of multi-tasking. Your analogy of watching 5 tv shows is quite true.

    I notice when I get the biggest stuff done...I am focused on nothing but getting the thing done. I get major results and momentum out of this focus.

    So, multiple streams are good...but they will be small streams unless you focus!

    Cheers,

    Brad Spencer
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[147413].message }}

Trending Topics