The more you multitask, the slower you become. 

Driving down the Katy Freeway in Houston (which apparently is the world's widest highway with 26 lanes of traffic), I found myself shutting off my music as I navigated a tricky exit. The old joke of turning off the sound so you can see better definitely applied to this situation. But have you ever thought about why we do this? 

As a chronic multitasker, I'm usually blasting my tunes and navigating my commute like a pro with an iced coffee in one hand. But in that moment of complexity, my brain instinctively knew to eliminate distractions. That's because removing a second task clears up cognitive fog and helps me focus better on what actually matters.

If your work-life balance resembles a desktop with 47 open tabs—like so many small business owners and working moms I know—and you feel proud of your ability to multitask, I have some bad news. Multitasking may feel like a superpower, but it may actually be your kryptonite.

When it comes to work that requires cognitive input, like creating a quarterly plan or analyzing client data, that constant ping of a Slack message or burning desire to check emails creates mental interference. Sadly in this environment of digital first and remote work, it's second nature for us to quickly jump from focused work to checking the inbox to scrolling social media to checking your work software to responding to texts...and so on. Your brain is trying to process multiple streams of information, but when we divide our attention, the less we actually get done and the more stress we put on our mental and physical health. Just like me, navigating that busy Houston freeway with music blaring and coffee in one hand, something's got to give.

The Science Behind the Struggle

Your brain simply isn't built for multitasking. Neuroscientist Earl Miller states that our brains are not wired to multitask well: "..when people think they're multitasking, they're actually just switching from one task to another very rapidly. And every time they do, there's a cognitive cost."

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Studies from Brown University, the NIH, the Center for Brain Health, and the American Psychological Association have extensively researched multitasking's impact on our cognitive abilities and overall health. The findings reveal significant costs, both immediate and over time.

Negative Short-Term Effects of Multitasking

• Increased stress levels, blood pressure, and heart rate
• Loss of accuracy and task retention
• Higher frustration, time pressure, and more brain power are exerted to complete the same tasks compared to focused single-task work

Negative Long-Term Effects of Multitasking

• Decreased working memory capacity and poor executive function (skills essential for planning, problem-solving, and sustained focus)
• Inferior working memory performance and more difficulty filtering out irrelevant information
• Increased likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Hyperactivity that impedes the brain's ability to absorb information efficiently, leading to increased mental fatigue

Set Yourself Up for Success, Not a Traffic Jam

That’s all bad news, but fear not – there’s hope for us yet. You don’t need to overhaul your entire workflow overnight to break free from the multitasking trap. Just place some intentionality behind your daily actions and create systems that work with your brain, not against it:

Limit Distractions: Create a focused work environment by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary browser tabs, and designating specific times for checking emails and messages.

Block Your Time: Dedicate specific time blocks to individual tasks. Whether it's 25 minutes or 2 hours, commit fully to one project during that window. Limiting distractions will help you maintain focus during the block.

Structure Your Workload: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on completing one task before moving to the next rather than leaving multiple projects half-finished. This may also mean adjusting your routine; instead of having a to-do list of 15 items, only put the 3 most important tasks on a sticky note for today. 

Be Mindful and Intentional: Give your efforts the attention they deserve. Follow internal cues—like pausing to make notes when you have a spontaneous idea—and take periodic brain breaks to refresh and build stamina.

Find an Accountability Partner: Having someone to check in with regularly can help you stay focused on your priorities and avoid the temptation of scattering your attention. Think about it – aren’t you more likely to turn in an assignment if a teacher is grading it and complete a deliverable if a client expects it on a certain day? Yes and yes. Choose a trusted partner to help you actually get tasks done on time.

Building Systems That Work

The key to sustainable productivity isn’t just willpower and some breathing exercises (although a deep breath will help you slow down); it's creating systems and structures that support focused work. Real change comes from having clear priorities, regular check-ins on your progress, and someone who can help you stay accountable to your most important goals.

Many successful entrepreneurs find that weekly strategy sessions help them maintain focus on what matters most. These regular touchpoints allow them to review what's working, adjust what isn't, and ensure they're making consistent progress toward quarterly and annual goals rather than getting lost in the daily chaos. 

When you have someone acting as both a strategic advisor and project manager—helping you track milestones, adjust timelines, and maintain momentum—it becomes much easier to resist the urge to scatter your attention across multiple half-finished projects.

The most effective accountability partnerships involve a structured approach with dedicated time blocks for planning and review, clear documentation of progress, and ongoing strategic guidance as priorities shift. This kind of support system transforms good intentions into consistent action.

You have the vision to grow your business and reclaim your time. Sometimes you just need the right systems and support to help you Get it Handled^®.

Ready to create better systems for managing your workload? At LVL-Up Strategies, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs build accountability structures that turn scattered efforts into focused progress. Learn more about how we can help with a free discovery call.

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