Why Multitasking Is Killing Your Productivity (And What to Do Instead)

If you're building a business, you can't afford to waste any time. Time is of the essence. And yet, one of the largest productivity killers is something most entrepreneurs still believe in: multitasking. 

You think you’re getting more done by handling e-mails while on a Zoom call or flipping between spreadsheets and Slack. In reality, you’re wrecking your focus, slowing down decision-making, and making more mistakes. 

In fact a University of London study determined that multitasking can decrease your IQ by up to 15 points—the same as staying up all night. 

If you're still attempting to multitask a dozen things at the same time, it's time to think differently. This is why multitasking is sabotaging your efficiency and what to do instead. 

Why Multitasking Is Sabotaging Your Productivity 

Multitasking is a myth. Here's what really goes on when you attempt to perform multiple tasks at once: 

• You switch, not multitask – Your brain doesn't really do two things simultaneously. It quickly switches between them, wasting additional energy and slowing you down. 

• You make more mistakes – When you have divided attention, you're more likely to overlook important details and make errors. If you're leading a team, that means wasted time correcting mistakes. 

• You spend more time completing tasks – Research indicates that task-switching can decrease efficiency by as much as 40%. So an hour-long project now takes close to two hours. 

• You get your brain wired – Your brain isn't programmed to deal with more than one complex task simultaneously. Frequent switching between tasks boosts cortisol (the stress hormone) and burns mental energy faster. 

• You condition your brain to be distracted – When you're constantly switching between tasks, you're reconditioning your brain to be more distractible. That makes it even more difficult to concentrate when you need to. 

If multitasking is making you slow down, what's the alternative? Deep work and brutal focus. 

The Fix: How to Work Like a High-Performer 

The globe's greatest business leaders—Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Tim Cook—don't multitask. They apply focus strategies that optimise output within less time. Here's how you can follow suit: 

1. Time Block Like a CEO 

Allocate time for deep work, emails, meetings, and breaks. Don't combine them. Treat these time slots like immovable appointments. 

Example: Focus on high-priority work from 9 AM to 11 AM without any interruptions. Check emails at 11:30 AM, not in between. 

2. Apply the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) 

Not all tasks are created equal. Find the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of your results and eliminate or outsource the rest. 

Example: If sales calls bring in most of your revenue, focus more on them and automate admin tasks. 

3. Group Similar Tasks Together 

Your mind is most efficient when it's concentrated on one kind of task at a time. Rather than checking your email all day, group them into one or two time windows. 

Example: Answer emails from 10 AM to 10:30 AM and then again at 4 PM. Don't bother with them outside those windows. 

4. Apply the "One-Thing" Rule 

Gary Keller, author of The One Thing, instructs us to ask ourselves: "What's the ONE thing I can do that will make everything else easier or unnecessary?" Then do it first. 

Example: If you're introducing a new product, the "one thing" could be completing the offer, not messing around with the logo. 

5. Silence the Noise 

Notifications, social media, and constant interruptions are killing your productivity. Turn them off. 

Example: Use apps such as Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distractions while working. 

6. Break to Work Better 

Your brain can concentrate for only so long. Utilise The Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 to 50 minutes, then break for 5 minutes. It keeps your mind sharp and avoids burnout. 

Example: Use a timer to concentrate intensely for 45 minutes, then stand up and walk for 5 minutes. 

7. Say No More Often 

Warren Buffett said: "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." 

Whenever you say yes to a distraction, you're saying no to your most vital work. 

Practice: If an activity doesn't advance your business, outsource it, automate it, or kill it. 

End Multitasking, Start Focusing 

Multitasking isn't a badge of honour. It's a productivity killer. If you want to expand your business, earn more, and accomplish more in shorter periods, end juggling and begin concentrating. Work in intervals of time, concentrate on the 20% of work that generates 80% of the results, and group similar tasks together to maximise efficiency. Apply deep work sessions to complete high-impact tasks without interference, and be merciless about eliminating interruptions that won't further your objectives. Saying no to unnecessary commitments and work gives us time for what actually makes a difference. The most successful entrepreneurs don't work more hours—successful entrepreneurs work more intelligently. And smart work begins with concentration.