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601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?

Freakonomics Radio

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Focus Yields Greater Productivity Than Multitasking

Research indicates that multitasking leads to a significant loss of productivity due to the frequent task-switching it necessitates. Rather than increasing output, multitasking often results in confusion and inefficiency, as individuals struggle to keep track of multiple tasks. To enhance productivity, it's more effective to concentrate on one task at a time, complete it, take a break, and then move on to the next task. Attention is a limited resource, easily overwhelmed by distractions, both digital and analog, which often trick individuals into believing they are achieving more by juggling responsibilities. Acknowledging that distractions typically prevail allows for better strategies to manage time and work effectively.

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