Canvas of Leadership: Painting Perspectives- Week 6: Multitasking

Welcome to the sixth installment of our weekly leadership forum series by our CEO Dr Gershu Paul , where we delve into breaking addictions and unlocking our full potential. This week, we focus on a common yet often misunderstood habit: multitasking.

Join us this week as we explore practical steps to embrace single-tasking, monitor its impact, and observe how reducing multitasking can lead to significant positive changes in our work and personal lives. Challenge yourself to break this subtle addiction and unleash your true potential.

Breaking Addictions to Unleash Potential – Part 6/9: Multitasking.

In our journey to overcome addictions and unlock our full potential, this week we address a common but often misunderstood habit: multitasking. So let us tackle the pervasive habit of multitasking. Whether we are relaxing, writing, reading, or watching something, the urge to do multiple things simultaneously can seem like a productivity booster. However, this is often a misconception.

Multitasking typically leads to reduced focus, lower productivity, and compromised quality in both personal and professional spheres be it at home, work or school. The notion that some individuals, particularly women excel at multitasking is a widespread belief.

Yet, the reality is that multitasking is not beneficial for anyone. When we divide our attention, the quality of our work suffers, and we experience increased stress and mental strain. This not only affects the task at hand but also diminishes the value of our interactions and overall experience.

To counter the multitasking habit, consider implementing these deliberate strategies:

1. Commit to Full Focus: Engage in each activity with complete attention. Start by tracking your focus levels in at least five daily tasks or interactions. Make a mental note or keep a journal to reflect on how often you were fully concentrated. Aim for the 80/20 rule, where you are wholly focused for at least 80% of the time. This approach not only improves your performance but also enhances the quality of your experiences.

2. Selective Full Immersion: Identify specific tasks or interactions that demand your undivided attention. Commit to fully immersing yourself in these selected activities, adhering to the 80/20 rule. This selective focus will help you channel your energy more effectively, resulting in higher quality outcomes and more satisfying experiences.

It's important to acknowledge that multitasking can be a subtle addiction, hindering our potential and well-being. By making a conscious decision to focus on one task at a time, we not only boost our productivity but also improve our mental health and overall life satisfaction. This week, challenge yourself to embrace single-tasking. Monitor the impact on your work and personal life, and observe how reducing multitasking can lead to significant positive changes.