Quick Tip No. 86: Multi-tasking is overrated

Did you know that when you multi-task, you aren't retaining as much information as you probably need to? According to a study conducted by USC "...distractions force you to pay less attention to what you are doing, you don't learn as well as if you had paid full attention." Your brain is not wired to focus on multiple things. So if you're on the phone and at the same time getting your 3-year old dressed and your husband is telling you where and when to meet him for dinner Tuesday night, there's a great likelihood that you are going to flake on the dinner date with your husband. Try these steps to help you focus:

• Set a goal for that particular time period you are devoting to a project. Ex: In the next hour I intend to finish writing the Executive Summary
• Turn off anything that could cause a distraction, e.g. Internet, cell phone
• If you're in a public place where the noise level is high, put on your headset and listen to soft music

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Comments

[Krista Francis]

I've read this before also, and I generally think it's true. But I do find that I can focus on tedious tasks for a much, much longer time if I am listening to my favorite show, especially anything on Oprah radio!