Multitasking is harmful
Article#: 00017
Date: 2020-06-13
Author: Radim
Many people believe that they can perform multiple tasks at the same time (= multitasking).
When we try to do more than one task at a time, it is not actually multitasking, but task switching.
We can't do more tasks at the same time, so we switch back and forth between them.
The switching comes with a cost.
Brain has to realign attention every time you switch from one task to another.
You can feel like you've worked more. But the quality of your work deteriorates when you switch between tasks.
Switching between tasks and changing the context impairs your progress because the switch always takes additional time.
Multitasking also limits the ability to think deeply about a topic.
Be aware of the multitasking overhead.
Eliminate all distractions.
Avoid switching between tasks and concentrate on only one task at a time.
Links to the topic:
- Multitasking Software Projects Is Harmful
- 3 Reasons Why Multitasking Is More Unproductive Than You Think
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Comment#: 00001
Date: 2022-10-22
User: Radim
"If you're constantly staying late and working weekends, it's not because there's too much work to be done. It's because you're not getting enough done at work. And the reason is interruptions.
You can't get meaningful things done when you're constantly going start, stop, start, stop.
Instead, you should get in the alone zone. Long stretches of alone time are when you're most productive. When you don't have to mind-shift between various tasks, you get a boatload done."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.
Comment#: 00002
Date: 2022-12-01
User: Radim
"You need an overview of what's coming up in order to use your time and energy wisely. And you need the security that you don't forget anything important. That is immensely relaxing.
Therefore, collect all your tasks, appointments, information, ideas in writing. In writing, to clear your head. My absolute recommendation: Use only ONE single task list and not a Post-It here, a scrap of paper there, an Excel list there or an app."
Translated from:
- Gabriele Thies. 8 Wege, um deine Aufgaben sinnvoll zu strukturieren.
- https://www.gabrielethies.de/blog/aufgaben-sinnvoll-strukturieren
Comment#: 00003
Date: 2022-12-01
User: Radim
"It's better to break down the tasks into several smaller steps that you can complete. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going. Too many open projects and "loose ends", on the other hand, cause conscious or unconscious stress and do not allow your brain to rest."
Translated from:
- Gabriele Thies. 8 Wege, um deine Aufgaben sinnvoll zu strukturieren.
- https://www.gabrielethies.de/blog/aufgaben-sinnvoll-strukturieren
Comment#: 00004
Date: 2023-08-17
User: Radim
Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?
"The saying "There's never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over" reflects a common observation about human behavior and project management. It suggests that people often rush through tasks or projects initially, hoping to save time and effort, but end up making mistakes or producing subpar results. As a result, they eventually need to invest more time and resources to fix those mistakes or redo the work properly.
There are several reasons why this phenomenon occurs:
1. Underestimation of Complexity: People might underestimate the complexity or difficulty of a task or project at the outset. This can lead to inadequate planning and allocation of resources, resulting in mistakes or oversights.
2. Pressure to Meet Deadlines: There is often pressure to complete tasks or projects quickly to meet deadlines. This can lead to shortcuts being taken or important steps being skipped in the interest of saving time.
3. Lack of Attention to Detail: When rushing through a task, individuals might not pay enough attention to details, leading to errors that require corrections later.
4. Overconfidence: Sometimes, people might overestimate their abilities or knowledge, leading them to believe they can complete a task quickly without proper preparation or diligence.
5. Incomplete Information: In some cases, tasks or projects might be started without having all the necessary information or requirements. This can lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions.
6. Limited Resources: Constraints on resources such as time, money, or manpower might force people to cut corners initially, with the intention of fixing things later when more resources are available.
7. Learning Curve: Sometimes, tasks involve new skills or technologies that individuals need to learn along the way. Initial attempts might be suboptimal as people are still acquiring the necessary expertise.
The saying serves as a reminder that investing the necessary time and effort upfront to do a task properly can save more time and resources in the long run. Proper planning, attention to detail, and thorough execution can help prevent mistakes and the need for redoing work.
However, it's worth noting that the saying is not universally true. In some cases, rushing through tasks might yield acceptable results, and redoing work might not be necessary. It all depends on the nature of the task, the level of expertise involved, and the specific circumstances."
- https://chat.openai.com (Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?)