The Multitasking Myth: Why Your Brain Can’t Actually Do Two Things at Once

Are you really good at multitasking?!

Yes? No? Maybe?

It’s a bogus question because science shows, time and time again, that multitasking—or trying to do more than one task at a time—is not possible. The notion that we can effectively juggle multiple demanding cognitive tasks simultaneously is a persistent myth that, unfortunately, leads to less productivity and more stress.

As Dr. Sahar Yousef, a cognitive neuroscientist at UC Berkeley, succinctly puts it, “Multitasking is a myth. In reality, it’s rapidly switching from one task to another, and then back again. And every time you make that switch, you pay a ‘tax’ on both your time and your energy. For that reason, it’s almost always more efficient to monotask: Focus on one thing and move on when you’re done, so you don’t pay unnecessary switching taxes”. This "switching tax" isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant drain on our cognitive resources, making each task take longer and often resulting in lower quality work.

For those who are thinking, “multitasking may be rough, for most... But I’m fantastically awesome at it”… 

Well, according to science, which Naval Ravikant says is “the study of truth,” they find that those who believe they are proficient multitaskers are often the least effective at it. 

Sorry. 

In a way, you’re addicted to the behavior, constantly seeking stimulation from multiple sources. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance found that even people who claim to be good at multitasking perform worse on tasks when attempting to do several things at once compared to focusing on one at a time (Rubinstein, Meyer, & Evans, 2001). 

This suggests that the perception of multitasking ability is often an illusion.

So what is actually happening when you think you’re doing two things at once? You’re very rapidly “task switching” or moving between tasks, which is not only cognitively expensive, but research consistently shows it has a host of negative side effects including:

• Greater signs of depression, anxiety, mistakes and distraction

• Decreased signs of cognitive control, memory and performance

• Reduction in concentration, focus, problem-solving and creativity

The rapid increase of digital tools and constant connectivity has made this issue worse. Notifications pinging, emails arriving, and chat messages demanding immediate attention create an environment where sustained focus feels increasingly difficult. Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, argues that in a hyper-connected world, the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task is becoming increasingly rare and valuable. He posits that "deep work" — the opposite of multitasking — is essential for producing high-quality output and mastering complex information (Newport, 2016). It just goes to show that real productivity comes from staying focused, not juggling a bunch of things at once. 

So now what? Notice when you’re “multitasking” and instead:

• 1 Task List: We tend to look at lists with many tasks on them which is overwhelming for our brain...every single time we look at it! So instead, put 1 task on a Post-it or have a separate column for “now” and only write one thing at a time. This way your brain isn’t taking in everything you have to do and getting overwhelmed. 

• Start small: Choose one task, set a timer for 25 minutes, and focus solely on that. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done when your attention isn’t split.

• Build in breaks: Give your mind time to reset between tasks. A short walk, a stretch, or even a few deep breaths can help you refocus and avoid burnout.

• Limit distractions: Close those Tabs, clean your desk from distractions, and don’t put more than 1-3 things on your main to-do list (hint: use a post-it for your most recent to-dos; your brain gets distracted with more than that). 

Ultimately, ditching the multitasking myth and embracing the magic of monotasking isn't about slacking off; it's about getting more of the right stuff done, and feeling way better while you do it! By choosing to truly focus instead of constantly bouncing around, we can totally take back our time, boost our productivity, and find a much calmer, more accomplished vibe in everything we do, both at work and at home.

Cheers to monotasking!