Ditch Multitasking and Get Productive!

For years, multitasking has been a valued skill — one that many folks have become quite adept at and proud of — but scientific analysis is showing more and more that it amounts to being a jack of all trades, master of none.

Scientists say humans don’t actually multitask; the brain switches back and forth quickly from one task to another, which keeps it from operating at full capacity during both activities. Multitasking actually diminishes the focus and general effectiveness of what you’re trying to do compared to giving one task full attention before moving on to another.

CLICK HERE to read the article, “What’s Really Happening in Your Brain When You Multitask,” from The Huffington Post, Feb. 2, 2015.

CLICK HERE to read the article, “Multi-tasking: how to survive in the 21st century,” from FT Magazine, Sept. 2, 2015.

CLICK HERE to read the article, “‘There’s No Such Thing As Multitasking,’” from Forbes, Jan. 7, 2015.

There’s a space of time that could be used to accomplish some of the to-dos that often get multitasked. Instead of flitting between a series of tasks, use your interstitial time. This is when you have intervals during the day when you’re doing absolutely nothing. Most people feel they don’t have any extra time, but consider the time you spend waiting at the checkout line in a store, waiting to pick up your kids or grand kids from school or activities, riding an elevator, or even all that time you spend on hold.

Instead of wasting your valuable time at home or work — or rudely “multitasking” when someone’s trying to have a conversation with you — check your Facebook page or ballgame scores on your cellphone during these interstitial times. You can use these in-between times to return phone calls and respond to emails and texts. When you make better use of interstitial periods, you can free up time throughout your day for other things, other people or even for yourself.

CLICK HERE to read the article, “Life’s Work: An Interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson,” from Harvard Business Review, January 2016.

CLICK HERE to read the article, “Lawyers, Here’s How to Take Back Your Interstitial Time,” from Legal Practice Pro, June 22, 2015.

Searching for productivity often strains your creative energies most of all. After all, the new project idea, event title or anniversary gift idea never comes on demand, right? Multitasking and clicking through the never-ending task list — even if you are using interstitial time — doesn’t always leave room for the idea bulb.

When it comes to having creative and inventive ideas, the best time is usually when you’re a little tired, as a relaxed brain is more open to conjuring less obvious ideas. That means if you’re a night bird, you may have better ideas in the morning. If you’re a morning person, your fatigued brain may be more productive later in the day. Who knew?

CLICK HERE to read the article, “The Best Time of Day to Do Everything at Work,” from FastCompany, June 23, 2015.

CLICK HERE to read the article, “The best time of day to take a break,” from The Washington Post, Sept. 14, 2015.

If multitasking can diminish effectiveness, it’s best if the important decisions get undivided attention. With our focus on retirement income strategies, we can help you work toward your monetary goals without a split-screen experience. We are financial professionals so you don’t have to be, so call us when you need a full focus on your retirement income strategy. 801-990-5055

Our firm assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies utilizing investment and insurance products. Advisory services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisory firm, and offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products and services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. To see a list of services please visit us at bossretirement.com/services.

This content is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided by third parties and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.We are not affiliated with any government agency including the Social Security Administration.