In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become a badge of honor for many. We juggle tasks, switch between activities, and attempt to do more in less time. However, in our quest for efficiency, we often overlook the hidden cost: erosion of our ability to be present in the moment.
Multitasking, in my opinion, does not make us more productive or efficient. Instead, it fragments our attention, diminishes the quality of our work, and prevents us from fully engaging with the present moment. We may pride ourselves on our ability to multitask, but we’re really sacrificing depth for breadth.
Out of Body Experience: Dog Walking and Phone Talking
Because having presence is a regular practice in my life now, I can feel it when I haven’t been present to an experience. It’s obvious because I feel like I’ve had an out of body experience. I haven’t always been that way, though. I used to believe multitasking was a good thing. Why wouldn’t you want to complete multiple things at one time? That makes me efficient, right? No. You float through life without having any sense of connectedness or awareness. I just didn’t realize it because I was so used to doing it.
When my dog was a puppy, I used to listen to audio books or podcasts when I walked him. I felt like I was killing two birds with one stone—getting us both exercise, while enjoying a book or educational podcast. However, when we got home from our walks, I noticed I felt like we hadn’t walked at all. I realize now it’s because I wasn’t present to the experience. It was like it never even happened.
I eventually stopped doing anything else at the same time I was walking my dog. It was not because I didn’t feel present—that was a practice I hadn’t yet found in my life. I did it because I didn’t want to miss hearing something (i.e., a car, an ambulance, another dog running up, runners, etc.). It was simply too distracting, and I’d seen disastrous things happen to others distracted while dog walking.
You Can’t Be Present to Any One Thing While You’re Multitasking
Being in the present moment is a gift. It keeps us out of the prison of our past and gives us freedom from constantly thinking about the future. Presence allows us to fully experience life as it unfolds. It enriches our relationships, deepens our connection to ourselves and others, and brings a sense of fulfillment and meaning to our lives. When we’re truly present, we’re able to savor the beauty of simple moments, find joy in everyday experiences, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the here and now.
Think about it: when was the last time you truly immersed yourself in a conversation, a meal, or a task without distractions pulling at your attention? In our hyperconnected world, moments of genuine presence are becoming increasingly rare. We’re constantly bombarded by notifications, emails, and endless to-do lists, leaving us mentally scattered and emotionally drained.
So why do we continue to multitask despite its detrimental effects? Part of the allure lies in the illusion of productivity. We mistakenly believe that by juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, we’re getting more done in less time. However, research has shown that multitasking decreases productivity, increases errors, and impairs cognitive function.
Moreover, multitasking takes a toll on our mental health and well-being. Constantly switching between tasks can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. We may feel like we’re always playing catch-up, never fully present in any aspect of our lives.
Stop Saying “You Don’t Have Time”
While I understand people wanting to maximize their time, something typically hiding behind the desire to multitask is a belief that there isn’t enough time to get things done. Or “I don’t have time to do everything I want/need.” Any expression of not having enough of something is evidence of a lack or scarcity mindset.
Our thoughts create our reality. When you tell yourself you don’t have time, you are calling that into your life. Circumstances will continue to come into your life producing evidence that you don’t have enough time to do things. Not having enough time (or anything) is an illusion. You do have time. The issue is that you may not be prioritizing it in a way that aligns with the life you desire, or you are using time as excuse to avoid dealing with challenges in your life. I’ll provide an example of both.
If one of your priorities is to exercise 30 minutes daily and you’re not doing it, then I’d ask you to look where you are spending 30 minutes of your time on things that are not a priority, or as high a priority. It’s likely you can find 30 minutes that you’re spending time on something that’s not actually as big a priority, like scrolling on Instagram or watching tv. Don’t get me wrong, I love tv. For me, that’s something I make time for, because I like it. But I don’t watch an hour of tv, then say to myself I don’t have time for exercise, if that’s another priority. I can do both if I manage my time differently.
Time is often used as an excuse to not do things we already don’t want to do, or we don’t want to face. If you have a friend that continually asks you to do things and you can’t or say you don’t have time, then I’d ask you to consider whether you want to continue that relationship. Why don’t you want to make time to spend with him/her? Is the relationship no longer in alignment with where you are in life? What’s keeping you from making time for that person? You may be using time as an excuse to avoid uncomfortable feelings or situations. That’s a topic for another post, but you may be surprised what you find when you start thinking about why you aren’t making time for certain things.
Instead of saying you don’t have time, or you must multitask just to get things done, say something like: “I don’t have time to do that right now.” Or “I am not going to make time for that.” Shifting your mindset from not having enough time to something else gives you so much more power over what’s happening in your life and how you choose to spend your time.
Just Because We Can, Doesn’t Mean We Should
It’s time to reclaim our attention and prioritize presence over productivity. Something I think about all the time is how we are taught that we can do it all. Yes, we can. You can be all the things, but I think that mentality has gotten us to believe that just because we can, we should. I feel like people (particularly women) are one-upping each other in the “how much can I be and do” categories. It’s the need to do everything; be everything; be the best at it; and make it look effortless. That leads to burnout—I know because I’ve been through it, trying to do too much of everything, telling myself that I can because other people do it, so I should, too.
People often spend their time doing things that they don’t even want to do, without recognition of it. When you start to tune into what your body is telling you—as opposed to your mind—you recognize what feels aligned and what doesn’t. You can use that as your guide to determine how you are going to spend your time.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure to multitask, let’s commit to single-tasking and giving our full attention to one thing at a time. Whether it’s having a conversation with a loved one, enjoying a meal, or tackling a work project, let’s immerse ourselves fully in the present moment. I challenge you to go through a day, or a weekend, without looking at your social media or emails.
By slowing down, simplifying our lives, and embracing mindfulness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of presence and rediscover the richness of life's moments. Let's stop multitasking our way through life and start truly living it.
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