Our ability to communicate verbally is degrading due to our ever-increasing reliance on technology. We’re constantly being pulled in a dozen directions to keep up with all the information streams pouring into our lives. As a result, many people and companies now advocate the importance of being able to multitask in order to stay on top of everything and succeed in a job.
In reality, however, multitasking is a ridiculous concept. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the ability to do several things at the same time.” Here’s a more accurate definition:
Multitasking is the most efficient way to half-ass everything.
Here are some reasons why multitasking stinks:
- It reduces your focus on the most crucial task
- It ensures every task gets completed with lower care and quality (possibly requiring a do-over)
- It puts more strain on your brain, making you feel constantly frazzled
- It makes you grumpier around friends and family (which leads to fights with your BFF)
- It makes you less active because of the extra stress it puts on you (Netflix marathons, anyone?)
- It makes you fat (probably)
- It kills your creativity (definitely)
That last one’s particularly problematic. In order to give a great presentation, it’s crucial to get your creative juices flowing. That’s hard to do when you’re also working on three other things. You must focus 100% on the creative activity being undertaken. Stop half-assing stuff. Get away from your computer, put away your phone, and be truly present in your creative pursuits. Only then will you experience the inspiration needed to give a memorable presentation worthy of office gossip or client praise.