One of my goals for 2020 is to stop trying to multitask. The truth is true multitasking is a myth, and when we try to do it, we can cause brain damage. Let me explain.

Your mind can only focus on one thing at a time. You can only “multitask” when only one of the things you are doing requires focus. For example, it is possible to fold laundry while watching TV or listen to a podcast while applying your makeup. However, if you drop that eyeliner, you stop listening to the podcast and shift your focus to the makeup. If you can’t find the matching sock, you take your focus off of the TV show to look for it.

The problem occurs when I try to do too many things that actually require my focus, like watching a video while I play a computer game and text my group chat. Then I’m not actually multitasking, but instead, I am quickly shifting my focus from one thing to another and back again. This causes a loss of attention span and can ultimately damage your brain.

But it is difficult to step away from multitasking when there are so many things on my to-do list!

Here are a few things I have discovered as I have tried to cut multitasking out (and don’t think for a moment that I have been 100% successful):

✔️ I am actually more productive when I focus completely on one thing at a time. I’m faster at tasks that used to take me FOREVER to accomplish.
✔️ I notice more moments that are right in front of me. This allows for spontaneous memory building with my kids.
✔️ I even enjoy my meals more when I focus on what I’m eating instead of watching a video or listening to a book while I eat. This, in turn, keeps me from snacking so much throughout my afternoon. #nonscalevictory
✔️ Content that I consume, whether it’s a podcast, a book, a video, or a training, stays with me because I’m fully present. This allows me to make connections between the many different things I’m consuming on a weekly basis.
✔️ Even though I seem to be getting more done, I feel like my life is slowing down a bit, which is something I find myself longing for in this season of life.

So in 2020, I will strive to kiss multitasking good-bye! Will you join me? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. If you’d like to learn more about how the mind works and how to align it with Scripture, check out my course, Captive Thoughts. It might be just the thing you’ve been looking for!