“I did my math homework, while IM-ing two friends, and texting, while also trying to finish an essay,” Most of us do this at some point. We think that we can multitask………the question is, can we?You can walk and talk at the same time, and I am assuming you are breathing while reading this, correct? Isn’t that multitasking? Yes, it is. What I’m talking about though is, the ability to pay full attention to two mental tasks at the same time. Such as, homework, and texting. Here’s an analogy:
Pretend you’re pedaling on a bicycle, enjoying the beautiful day of fresh air and sunshine. Are you seeing that picture? Great! Now pretend a pesky squirrel stops in it’s tracks in surprise, causing you to slam on the brakes. And imagine this happens when powering up a hill. What happens to your momentum? Getting started is a lot harder then keeping it going, right?
You suddenly have to slam on the breaks, right? That is what our brain does when we are “multitasking.” When you get a text message while in the middle of your math homework, your brain has to “slam on it’s brakes” thus causing your flow of thought to break, and your concentration to shatter!
So, before reading this did you think you could multitask? Has your perspective changed any? Well, if you’re not convinced, reconsider, because studies show that multitasking is a myth when it come to FOUCUS!
* For more information, read pages 84-85 of Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina.
