The Myth of Multitasking Exercise – Updated

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Think you’re the world’s best multitasker? Know someone who thinks they can do many things at once? Here’s your chance to put your skills to this test! In this video, I walk you through the all-new version of my myth of multitasking exercise.

  1. Complete the exercise.
  2. Share your result below.
  3. Then invite at least two people you know to complete it, too! Compare your experiences with each other.

NOTE: This exercise is adapted from my time management keynote speech and workshop. There are some minor changes to clear up confusion that can happen in a short-video format.

Looking for the downloadable PDF? Here it is: The Myth of Multitasking Exercise – Revisited.  As promised, here are the definitions of switchtasking and background tasking:

Switchtasking = attempting to do multiple attention-requiring tasks at the same time. Each switch in attention incurs switching cost, which includes a loss of time, decrease in performance, and an increase in stress levels. When most people say they are “multitasking,” they are most often referring to switchtasking.

Background tasking = performing a task while something mindless or mundane occurs in the background. Examples include: delegating tasks to employees while you work on more valuable activities, putting a machine to work on a large job while you answer email, and exercising while you listen to music. Background tasking can improve productivity overall.

Multitasking is neither a good thing nor a bad thing…it simply does not exist! The question is, are you background tasking, which may improve productivity, or are you switchtasking, which always harms productivity? Please help me spread the word!

  1. Complete the Myth of Multitasking exercise.
  2. Share your result below.
  3. Then invite at least two people you know to complete it, too!
Tired of those 12-hour workdays? What if there was a simple formula to double your productivity by working fewer hours? Find freedom with a free copy of Dave's new book, The Result: A Practical, Proven Formula for Getting What You Want.
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