How to Get More Done Without Falling for the Multitasking Trap
Many people believe they have the power to multitask, to be that person who can handle several things at once. Maybe you think you can watch TV while writing, or listen to someone talk while taking notes. It feels like a superpower. But the truth is, multitasking is an illusion. Our brains are not built to focus on two demanding tasks at the same time.
What really happens is that your attention jumps from one thing to another, second by second. Imagine you want to listen to an audiobook while writing an essay. You might catch a few words or sentences from the audio, but never at the exact moment you’re writing. Your brain switches back and forth, never fully present in either task. As a result, your focus is scattered, and the quality of both tasks drops. You end up doing both things poorly.
When you focus on just one thing—like watching a tutorial or listening to an audio course without distractions—you become much more attentive. The quality of your learning or work rises sharply. I know the temptation: as a programmer, I sometimes try to code while watching a marketing course. But every time, I notice my brain can’t handle both at once. The result is always the same: lower quality and less understanding.
There are a few exceptions. If you’re doing something automatic, like walking or cleaning, you can listen to an audiobook or a podcast. That’s because walking or cleaning doesn’t require much brainpower. Your mind can focus on the intellectual task while your body goes on autopilot. It’s like background processes on a computer. You don’t even notice you’re walking because your subconscious takes over.
But if both tasks need real concentration—like watching a seminar and writing an article at the same time—it just doesn’t work. Even writing alone needs your full attention. It’s not like walking or driving, where your brain can delegate the routine part.
Some people like to listen to music while working. That can help, but only if the music has no lyrics. Otherwise, your brain will try to process the words in the song and the words you’re writing or reading. This ruins your focus and learning. If you want background music, choose classical or instrumental tracks without any words.
In the end, the urge to multitask is strong, but it’s better to resist. Focus on one thing at a time, and you’ll see your results improve.
The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time.
— Samuel Smiles
You can do two things at once, but you can’t focus effectively on two things at once.
— Gary Keller
Key Takeaways
- Multitasking is a myth; your brain can only focus on one demanding task at a time.
- Switching between tasks lowers the quality of your work and your attention.
- You can combine an automatic task (like walking) with an intellectual one, but not two intellectual tasks.
- If you listen to music while working, choose tracks without lyrics to avoid distraction.
Reflection
- When was the last time you tried to multitask? Did you notice a drop in quality?
- What could you achieve if you gave your full attention to just one thing at a time?
- Are there habits you could change today to improve your focus?
Pierre-Henry Soria
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