The Myth of Multitasking: How to Find Focus in a Distracted World

Michelle Cederberg

In an era of 24/7 connectedness and ‘nose to the grind-stone’ ideologies, multitasking has become something of a workplace badge of honour. In fact, it’s often heralded as a ‘work skill’ in interviews and on resumes. But is it really? These days the overwhelm of technology and lack of boundaries between work and the rest of life mean that multitasking feels more like a necessity than a choice. How else will I get it all done? The truth is that multitasking doesn’t make us more productive; in fact the exact opposite is true. With the pace of life ramping up, and hours in the day slipping away, focus and mindfulness matter now more than ever. In this session, we’ll look at how multitasking impacts productivity, what’s happening in your brain when you take on too much, and how it hinders learning and memory. Then we’ll explore ways to re-focus, prioritize, and really get the job done.